The Discovery of the Oldest Poisoned Arrowheads in History

SadaNews - The oldest poisoned arrows in the world have been identified, dating back 60,000 years. According to the New York Post, this discovery points to ancient hunting techniques.

A team of scientists from South Africa and Sweden observed traces of poison from the South African "gifbol" plant on arrowheads dating to the Stone Age, which is the oldest known poison for arrows discovered in the world.

The Use of Poisons in Hunting

Researchers say this discovery shows that South African inhabitants, 60,000 years ago, had already developed advanced knowledge of toxic substances and how to use them in hunting.

Scientists reached this discovery on quartz arrowheads that are 60,000 years old, found in the Umsindusi rock shelter in KwaZulu-Natal.

The research team identified chemical remnants of the "gifbol" plant toxin, which is still used by traditional hunters in the area.

Professor Sven Isaksson, a professor at Stockholm University and an expert in analyzing organic residues in archaeological materials, who conducted the chemical analysis, stated, "This is the result of a close and long-standing collaboration between researchers from South Africa and Sweden. Identifying the world's oldest poison for arrows together was a complex task, and it is very encouraging to continue the research."

The Oldest Evidence in the World

Professor Marlieze Lombard from the Antiquity Biological Research Institute at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa said, "This is the earliest direct evidence of humans using arrow poisons."

The discovered evidence shows that ancestors in South Africa invented the bow and arrow much earlier than previously believed, and they understood how to use nature's chemistry to enhance hunting efficiency.

The Gifbol Plant

Chemical analysis published in the journal Science Advances revealed the presence of bufotenin and epicufanisine alkaloids, both found in the "gifbol" plant.

This plant – also known as "toxic onion" – is known among local hunters for its highly toxic properties. Similar substances were also found on arrowheads that are 250 years old in Swedish collections, gathered by travelers during the 18th century.

According to the research team, the use of the same plant toxin in both historical and prehistoric times indicates a long continuity of knowledge and traditions.

Surviving in the Ground for Thousands of Years

Professor Isaksson stated, "Finding traces of the same poison on arrowheads from prehistory and historic times was crucial."

By accurately studying the chemical composition of the materials and drawing conclusions about their properties, we were able to determine that these specific materials have sufficient stability to remain buried underground for all this time.