The hallucinogenic basis of early Valdivia phase ceramic bowl iconography

The use of psychoactive plants by ancient indigenous populations of the North Andes

This investigation focuses on the North Andes and includes discussion of monumental stone sculpture in the environs of San Agustín, Colombia, as well as Muisca, Quimbaya, and Darién (Sinú) goldworking traditions. Through formal and iconographic analyses of ceremonial paraphernalia, this paper shows that the primary ideologies of the cultures of this region involved the use of several psychoactive plants.

Identification of hallucinatory themes in the Late Neolithic art of Hungary

A number of factors that coalesced in the Venus figurines of the Late Neolithic culture from Hungary have been identified with dominant hallucinatory themes, suggesting the crucial role of ecstatic religion in this culture. This article provides a review of the nature and role of hallucinogens in the ecstatic religion of contemporary and historical cultures in order to establish a background for analysis. Analysis of these Late Neolithic artifacts indicates the presence of a number of themes associated with hallucinogen use: the presence of iconographic elements similar to eidetic forms; the use of red color; anthropo- and theriopomorphic figurines in seated postures; and specific patterns of breakage with disposal. The discussion illuminates the crucial features as well as the role and significance of these factors in ecstatic cults.