Egyptian rituals have long fascinated scholars and enthusiasts alike, and a recent discovery has cleared up some of their most mysterious aspects. In an incredible step forward for archeology and anthropology, new research has provided concrete evidence that hallucinogenic concoctions were an integral part of the sacred practices of this ancient civilization.
Physical evidence of hallucinogens was found in an Egyptian Bes cup, a rare relic in the collection of the Tampa Museum of Art. These intriguing objects are prominently decorated with the wild visage of Bes, the guardian god associated with everything from fertility to magical healing.
Investigating the origins of ritual practices
This work did not occur immediately. The role of Bes cups in ancient Egyptian society has long been a matter of debate.
“For a long time, Egyptologists have speculated what the Bes head cups might have been used for and what type of drinks they might have used, such as holy water, milk, wine or beer,” said museum curator Branko van Oppen. Curator of the Tampa Museum of Art.
Due to the ubiquity of trophies in different periods, it has been difficult to determine their exact use and meaning. The mysterious puzzle is finally beginning to be solved as researchers at the University of South Florida embark on an ambitious project to investigate the unknown.
“There are no studies that have found what we found in this study,” said David Thanasi, lead author of the research paper. The team deciphered chemical traces of long-dried liquid in one of the Bes cups at the Tampa museum, providing a concrete clue to its past use.
A secret mixture used in Egyptian rituals
The result was simply impressive. Researchers found a mixture of psychedelic drugs, biological fluids, and alcohol in the cup; this was a “cocktail” believed to have been used in a ritual reminiscent of Egyptian legend. The mysterious drink was flavored with popular ingredients of the time, including honey, sesame seeds, pine nuts, licorice, and grapes, possibly to mimic the appearance of blood.
A glimpse into ancient life
This impressive find brought to life vivid images of the Greco-Roman period in Egypt. The historical significance of the discovery underscores the importance of the Bes Chambers at Saqqara, which people visited in the hope of confirming a successful pregnancy, a dangerous stage in the ancient world.
“Egyptologists believe that people visited the so-called Devil’s Chambers at Saqqara when they wanted to confirm a successful pregnancy, because in the ancient world pregnancy was associated with danger,” Van Oppen said. he said. He believes that a special drink was probably used in the ritual of waking up from dreams during this difficult period. This revolutionary research helped us connect myths with reality.
“Through this study, we have found scientific evidence that there is some truth to Egyptian myths, and this helps shed light on poorly understood rituals that were likely performed in the Devil’s Chambers at Saqqara near the Great Pyramids.” From Giza,” Thanasi said.
In this way, the veil of mystery surrounding ancient Egyptian rituals is gradually lifted, one work at a time.
Symbolism of Bes in Egyptian rituals
The discovery of hallucinogenic substances in the Besa cup not only sheds light on the practices of ancient Egyptian rituals, but also highlights the cultural significance of the god Besa depicted on the artifact. Known for his lion-like face and protective nature, Bes had an important place in daily life and spiritual practices. He was not just a protective god; He was seen as a figure who could ward off evil spirits, increase fertility, and bring joy through music and dance.
In ancient Egypt, rituals involving Bes were believed to utilize his powerful essence, especially during sensitive times such as birth and healing. The presence of hallucinogenic elements in beer suggests that these ceremonies were intended to elevate the consciousness of participants by inducing trance-like states for divine communication or vision.
Such practices were consistent with the belief that communication with deities such as Bes could provide spiritual protection and guidance. This new understanding of Bes’s participation in these rituals deepens our understanding of how ancient Egyptians intertwined the mystical with the material, creating sacred ceremonies that reflected their belief in the interconnectedness of the human and divine realms. The research was published in the journal Scientific Reports.
Source: Port Altele
