Chavín’s Psychoactive Pharmacopoeia:

Recognising ritual: the case of Campanayuq Rumi

“…The diverse ritual activities depicted there included the inhalation of hallucinogens, probably carried out by shamans or priests for the purpose of experiencing shamanic transformations into supernatural beings (e.g. Burger 1992;Sharon 2000;Rick 2006;Torres 2008). The large head sculptures were projected from the upper part of the exterior walls of the main architecture and they represent the transformation process from human to mythical figure that is a common theme in shamanism worldwide (Eliade 1964).…”

“…The sculptures of humanoid heads at Chavín de Huántar frequently show expressions of mucal flow in association with wrinkled facial expressions (Burger 1992;Rick 2006). These traits observed in the sculptures are said to indicate nasal snuffing of hallucinogenic drugs such as Anadenanthera colubrina (Torres 2008;Burger 2011), and the narrow spoons from Unit P2 seem to be suitable for nasal snuffing. Residue analysis of the spoons carried out by Victor Vasquez and Teresa Rosales Tham also support this view.…”

“…The use of hallucinogens in ritual feasting events was also reported in the Janabarriu Phase context of the Wacheqsa sector of Chavín de Huántar (Mesia 2007: 133-4). Moreover, the central role of hallucinogenic snuff has been well established at Chavín de Huántar through analyses of iconography and the presence of mortars and snuffing paraphernalia (Burger 1992(Burger , 2011Rick 2006;Torres 2008). Forty-three complete or semi-complete obsidian points (Figure 9a-c) and an atlatl (Figure 9d) were found in the Unit P2 refuse.…”

Hallucinogens and Altered States of Consciousness in Cusco, Peru: A Path to Local Power during Wari State Expansion

“…Archaeological evidence from the site suggests that the pilgrims enhanced their experience with the consumption of hallucinogens. Evidence includes stones friezes in the Circular Plaza depicting anthropomorphic beings holding a San Pedro cactus, small mortars in the shape of jaguars that could have been used to process snuff (probably Anadenanthera) and tubes, trays, spatulas and miniature spoons used to inhale the snuff (Burger 1992, 157-9;Cordy-Collins 1977;Rick 2008, 22;Sayre 2018;Torres 2008). In addition, archaeologists have documented stone tenoned heads decorating the temples' façades that seem to represent individuals going through different stages of metamorphosis; from their human form they become felines or other jungle animals.…”

Iconografía de Villca en estelas líticas del sitio arqueológico de Tiwanaku

“…La cultura Tiwanaku presenta recurrentemente evidencia arqueológica e iconográfica del uso de Plantas Divinas, principalmente aquellas relacionadas con el género Anadenanthera (Uhle, 1912;Oyarzún, 1931;Latcham, 1938;Torres, 1984Torres, , 1985Berenguer, 1987;Llagostera et al, 1998;Torres, 2001;Llagostera, 2006). Entre los hallazgos arqueológicos se describe la presencia de semillas (Torres et al, 1991;Torres, 1996;Torres y Repke 1996;Llagostera et al, 1998;Torres, 2006Torres, , 2008 y polvos inhalatorios de Anadenanthera, cuyo componente químico principal es la bufotenina (Torres et al 1991;Torres 2001).…”