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The recently discovered cactus, possibly belonging to the hallucinogenic species San Pedro (Echinopsis pachanoi).

Surprising Offering of a Hallucinogenic Cactus Discovered in Prehispanic Temple in Lima

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Chuquitanta or El Paraíso (The Paradise) are the modern names for a monumental archaeological complex located in the Chillon River valley, several kilometers north of downtown Lima and dated to the Late Archaic Period (3500-1800 BC). More specifically, different radiocarbon dates place the site to between the years 2300 and 1400 BC.

Discovered in 1950 by Louis Stumer, it was Thomas C. Patterson and Edward P. Lanning who, in 1964, managed to identify about nine structures and labelled it as a preceramic site.

A year later, in 1965, Frederic Engel conducted explorations and excavations at the site and identified another 8 buildings scattered over a large area, so he defined the site as a great architectural complex and one of the largest in ancient Peru. Subsequently, following neglect by authorities, the area began to be protected by nearby residents, although this was not enough to avoid destruction and the inevitable disappearance of the huacas.

One of the pyramids of the El Paraíso or Chuquitanta complex.

One of the pyramids of the El Paraíso or Chuquitanta complex. (Dibojutri/CC BY-SA 3.0)

It was precisely because of the insistence of these people that the state finally became interested in the site. The first public investment project began on December 24, 2012. The site was excavated in five sectors and the archaeologists found that the complex was composed of twelve pyramids in total, which were spread over a large area.

On January 15, 2013 archaeologists discovered an architectural structure they called the Temple of Fire, which has similarities to buildings found in Caral and Kotosh (contemporary structures.) They now called the site the oldest architectural complex of the Lima coast and the first settlement where nomadic societies became sedentary through agriculture, 4,000 years ago.

Now, experts know that the diet of the inhabitants consisted of a mixture of domesticated and gathered resources, in which wild plants could have represented a substantial part. But the cultivated plants supplemented the diet of the ancient people too. Some of the plants consumed in this period were amaranth, potato, pumpkin, carob, cotton, and cactus. And it is a cactus that is at least 4,000 years old which has now surprised Peruvian archaeologists after being discovered among Lima’s oldest prehistoric temples. 

As RPP Noticias reports, the cactus - possibly an example odf the hallucinogenic species San Pedro (Echinopsis pachanoi)measures about 30 centimeters in length. It is in perfect condition and even still has some spikes, as it was dehydrated before being buried as part of an offering.

Archaeologist Dayanna Carbonel, who discovered the plant, explained that she had never encountered such an old cactus in an archaeological dig, “and even less as a central part of an offering” - which reveals its importance. Meanwhile, Santiago Morales, curator of the area, has said that the cactus “could have been used in ceremonies and rituals” because it was found in an annex to a ceremonial room.

Peruvian Prehispanic structures in the archaeological complex of El Paraíso

Peruvian Prehispanic structures in the archaeological complex of El Paraíso (RPP Noticias / EFE)

In addition, the cactus is also important for researchers because they have not found remains of pottery nearby (except for in later sites), forcing archaeologists to focus their research on the waste left by human activity to find out more on the way of life of the site’s inhabitants.

In addition to the plant, the researchers have recovered other relevant objects in the same area. For example, they have found a sling constructed with plant material and a club or mace formed by a stick piercing a stone and tied to it with a rope - which could suggest some kind of combat in the area.

Image of the club or mace found in the same area as the cactus.

Image of the club or mace found in the same area as the cactus. (RPP News/EFE)

Finally, Morales noted that the archaeological complex has a dozen buildings in an area covering about sixty hectares, and so far, only four of them been excavated in part. So, there is still 95% of the site to be researched, which will surely reveal new and fascinating discoveries in the future.

Top image: The recently discovered cactus, possibly belonging to the hallucinogenic species San Pedro (Echinopsis pachanoi). Source: RPP News/EFE

By Mariló T. A.

This article was first published in Spanish at https://www.ancient-origins.es and has been translated with permission.

 

Comments

To explain...It is surprising because the San Pedro Cult was previusly only known to go back about 2000 years by the Moche. To find that this artifact is from 4000 years ago dates not only the Culture, What Culture? and the usage of this Cactus. It appears to be the 7 Rib San Pedro ...Echinopsis Panchanoi (Syn Trichocereus Pachanoi) But without the Spines it would be hard to indentify these from seven other species of the same Cacti with similar Hallucinogenic Properties.and Compounds.

The Peruvian Torch...Echinopsis peruviana (syn. Trichocereus peruvianus), is similar but has 6 Ribs and longer Spines but is not as potent.

The most revered Spiritually was the the Bolivian torch...Echinopsis lageniformis (syn. Trichocereus bridgesii), Which was the most Potent of all the Species and is called the “Cuatro Vientos” (The four Winds) because it had only 4 Ribs.  

But the Bolivian Torch as the most potent species can also have from 4 Ribs up to 8 Ribs depending on where they are collected because Cacti (and most do) can grow from a piece that has fallen from the main plant and is actually considered a Clone when this happens.

Someday I should share my “Raining Cloning Cacti” experience here...All I can say is do not stand under a two hundred foot Cliff covered with Cholla Cacti after it has been raining a couple hours...They get heavy with water and decide to clone in mass all at one time… lol

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Mariló T.A.

Freelance writer, blogger and expert in social networks, Mariló has been working and collaborating with online media for several years. Fond of nature, pets, history, photography, ecology, byodinamics, spirituality, ancient civilizations, travelling and parapsychology, you can contact her via e-mail... Read More

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