Snuff tube residues push back date of oldest hallucinogen use in Peruvian Andes
By 
Ada McVean2025-05-16T08:30:00
Chemical analysis reveals traces of a number of psychoactive compounds thought to have been used to secure leaders’ status
Chemical and microscopic analysis of artefacts believed to be snuff tubes provides the oldest direct evidence for the use of psychoactive plants in the Peruvian Andes. The team of archaeologists that studied the bone- and shell-based paraphernalia believe that they were used in rituals over 2000 years ago to reinforce leadership through links to the mystical world.