By Traces of a mixture containing several psychedelic compounds have been found in an ancient Egyptian vase with a face resembling the god Bes.
Recent preprint In a peer-reviewed study, scientists found direct evidence in vases that ancient Egyptian worship of the fertility god Bes used cereals, Egyptian lotus, and royal jelly to stumble during religious ceremonies. It shows that A Ptolemaic-era vase from the Tampa Museum of Art in Florida was analyzed.
Bes (and his female counterpart Beseth) were revered throughout the New Kingdom, Ptolemaic period, and Imperial Roman times as the patron of the household—women and children. Offerings to Beth were usually intended for fertility. During the New Kingdom, Egyptians had images of Beth tattooed on their skin, and there is evidence of festivals held in honor of Bes.
Researchers found traces of several plants and ingredients known to have hallucinogenic properties. “Our analysis showed that Peganum Harmala, Nimphaea nouchali var.and plants Cleome genus, all of which have traditionally been proven to be psychotropic and medicinal,” the researchers wrote. “Furthermore, the identification of human bodily fluids suggests that they are directly involved in these rituals.”
Other Egyptian Cults and the Ancient Maya is also used Nimphaea nouchali var. For psychedelic purposes. The researchers also found bovine DNA and speculate that the vase may have contained fermented milk or other bovine products. Traces of royal honey or royal jelly were also found in the vase. Hallucination and to boost sexual vigor (despite the FDA warning) Vendor to mix with Cialis). However, some of royal jelly’s benefits are backed by science.
“Furthermore, metabolomics and SR μ-FTIR analysis also revealed the presence of other components such as fermented fruit-based liquids and honey and royal jelly,” the researchers wrote. “The identification of specific compounds such as alkaloids and flavonoids provides insight into their psychoactive and therapeutic uses in ancient rituals. We focus on their interactions with active substances, medicines and nutraceuticals.These discoveries have contributed to our understanding of ancient belief systems, cultural practices and utilization of natural resources, and ultimately deepens our knowledge of the links between past societies and the natural world.”
Along with Egyptian lotus and blue lotus, the most popular psychotropic plants known among the ancient Egyptians are opium, tobacco and coca.
Ars Technica report Pottery vases and similar vessels depicting Bess have been found and are now in museums and private collections around the world. Researchers speculate they may have had beer or elixir. He is usually depicted as a bearded dwarf with a tongue sticking out, sometimes with a phallic symbol.
“The popular image of Bess is a combination of anthropomorphic and bestialist elements, part dwarf and part feline,” the report said. “He emerged as a guardian from the magical realm of the demonic world, and seems to have gradually attained a more significant position, until he was sporadically worshiped as a god during the Roman Empire. Regarding his functions, Beth was able to protect from danger and avoid harm at the same time, and was able to ward off evil with his powers.As told in the famous Eye of the Sun myth, even in critical situations, he was the power of nature. She tried to appease her inside, but the bloodthirsty goddess Hathor put an end to her anger when she made her drink an alcoholic drink laced with botanical drugs disguised as blood. I fell asleep.”
The chamber with the statue of Beth was built on the site of Saqqara, near Memphis, the capital of Egypt, south of Cairo, but little is known about its religious details.
Extending the sampling chemistry survey to other examples from similar periods would give a clearer picture, the researchers said.
