Giorgio Samorini - The archaeology of psychoactive plants. A worldwide look

Psychoactive plants leave material, chemical, and iconographic evidence in ancient burial sites and artistic representations, providing archaeologists with empirical proof of their historical significance. Giorgio Samorini categorizes this evidence into direct findings, such as preserved plant specimens or chemical traces identified in artifacts, and indirect evidence, encompassing physiological markers or peripheral tools like snuff trays. By examining these artifacts, researchers can establish that ancient civilizations across the globe cultivated and integrated psychoactive substances into their rituals. For instance, the use of Ephedra sinica is evidenced by material remnants in Chinese desert mummies, while iconographic depictions offer clear links to the ceremonial use of substances like Datura or Ergot. This field of archaeo-ethnobotany helps reconstruct the complex, often sacred, relationship between early humans and mood-altering plants.