Recently, archaeologists discovered a set of ancient arrow tips, dating back 60,000 years, at a rock shelter in South Africa. This find marks the oldest known evidence of poisoned weapons used by hunter-gatherers, pushing back our understanding of this practice by more than 50,000 years.
In a detailed study, researchers analyzed ten of these arrow tips, which had been uncovered decades ago but not thoroughly examined until now. They found that five of them still held traces of slow-acting poisons, likely derived from local plants, including a type of tumbleweed. These poisons would have weakened animals over time, making it easier for hunters to catch their prey.
This discovery reveals that prehistoric people not only used plants for food and tools but also understood their biochemical properties. “Humans have long relied on plants,” said Sven Isaksson, a lead researcher from Stockholm University. “This shows they exploited these properties intentionally.” This insight reflects a more complex level of thought among early humans, suggesting they planned their hunts carefully, understanding how poisons worked.
Before this, the oldest evidence of poison use came from a 7,000-year-old arrow found in Kruger Cave, South Africa. While there have been older objects that implied the use of poison, such as a 24,000-year-old wooden applicator, those findings were debated and less conclusive.
Arrow tips can degrade over time, but certain conditions can preserve the traces of poisons. The Umhlatuzana rock shelter, for instance, provided the right environment for these chemicals to survive for thousands of years. In this case, researchers examined ten specific arrowheads that still had residues of toxins.
They discovered two key toxic compounds from the species Boophone disticha, also known as the “poison bulb.” Interestingly, they found similar toxins in four 18th-century arrows. This suggests a long history of using these plants for hunting across the region.
Justin Bradfield, an archaeologist from the University of Johannesburg, praised the find, stating that it demonstrates early humans’ knowledge of plant toxins. “This opens doors for more research,” he noted, highlighting that the survival of these toxins over tens of thousands of years could lead to new insights into ancient practices.
Looking ahead, the research team intends to investigate whether the use of poisoned arrows was a constant practice or if it varied over time within the hunter-gatherer communities.
This remarkable discovery not only adds a new layer to our understanding of prehistoric life but also invites further exploration of how early humans interacted with their environment.
