Researchers have discovered evidence of an ancient Egyptian ritual involving a hallucinogenic drink that may have been used to reenact a mythical story involving the dwarf god Bes tricking the sky goddess. The team of researchers found residues of a concoction inside a 2,200-year-old vase depicting Bes, who was associated with childbirth, merriment, and music.
The chemical analysis of organic residues inside the vase revealed the presence of wild rue, Egyptian lotus, and a plant from the Cleome genus, all known for their psychotropic and medicinal properties. Additionally, sesame seeds, pine nuts, licorice, and grapes were found in the residue, which were likely used to create a beverage that resembled blood. Human bodily fluids such as saliva and blood were also detected, suggesting that people consumed the concoction.
Various techniques were used to identify the ingredients in the hallucinogenic drink, including ancient DNA extraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The researchers believe that the ritual involving the Bes-vase may have been linked to the “Myth of the Solar Eye,” where Bes offers a spiked alcoholic beverage disguised as blood to calm the sky goddess Hathor.
Moreover, there is speculation that the hallucinogenic drink may have been used for oracular purposes, with individuals seeking prophetic dreams by consuming the concoction. The Bes Chambers at Saqqara were known for incubation rituals for oracular purposes, where consultants would sleep to obtain prophetic dreams. This practice may have been particularly prevalent among pregnant women seeking predictions about the outcome of their pregnancies due to the dangers associated with childbirth in the ancient world.
The vase is currently housed in the Tampa Museum of Art, having been acquired in 1984 from a private collector who purchased it from the Maguid Sameda Art Gallery in Cairo in 1960. The exact origin of the vase remains unclear.
The findings of this research shed light on the ancient Egyptian practices and beliefs surrounding rituals, hallucinogenic substances, and oracular traditions. The connection between the Bes-vase, the Myth of the Solar Eye, and the oracular rituals at Saqqara provides valuable insights into the religious and cultural practices of ancient Egypt, offering a glimpse into the spiritual world of this civilization.
