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Researchers Discover Cannabis Seeds in 2,800-Year-Old Siberian Tomb
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What Happened?
In a 2,800-year-old tomb in southern Siberia, researchers found around 1,000 cannabis seeds and traces of cannabis in human hair, suggesting ritual use. The tomb, Tunnug 1, is linked to Scythian funerary practices.
Key points
- The tomb Tunnug 1 is located in the Republic of Tyva, southern Siberia.
- Cannabis seeds were found alongside preserved human hair with chemical traces of cannabis.
- The seeds date back to the early eighth century BCE, indicating their use in funerary rituals.
- The tomb contained remains of sacrificed horses and possibly humans.
- Chemical analysis revealed traces of cannabinol and tetrahydrocannabinol in the hair samples.
- The discovery provides the earliest evidence of cannabis used for intoxication in a burial context.
Key insights
- The presence of cannabis seeds suggests it may have had ritualistic importance in funerary practices.
- The findings could lead to further research on ancient agricultural practices and plant use.
- Understanding cannabis use in ancient rituals may provide insights into social structures of Scythian society.
Why it matters
This discovery sheds light on ancient rituals and the cultural significance of cannabis in Scythian society.
Tags
Entities
Tunnug 1· LocationGino Caspari· PersonMax Planck Institute· OrganizationRepublic of Tyva· Location
Source
Times of India
