World’s Oldest Poisoned Arrows Unearthed in South Africa Reveal Stone Age Ingenuity
DURBAN, South Africa — Archaeologists have uncovered the world’s oldest known poisoned arrowheads, dating back approximately 60,000 years, providing unprecedented insight into the advanced hunting strategies of Stone Age humans. These quartz arrowheads, excavated from the Umhlatuzana Rock Shelter in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, were found to be coated with toxins derived from a deadly native plant known as gifbol, sometimes referred to as the “poisonous onion.”
The discovery, the result of a collaborative effort between Swedish and South African researchers, was recently published in the journal Science Advances. Chemical analysis revealed the presence of buphanidrine and epibuphanisine, potent alkaloids found in the gifbol bulb, marking the oldest direct evidence of arrow poison use in human history.
Professor Sven Isaksson of Stockholm University, a lead author of the study, described the findings as a testament to the sophisticated cognitive and technological capabilities of early Homo sapiens. “This research highlights a remarkable level of innovation and knowledge about natural toxins, which would have significantly increased hunting efficiency and survival,” Isaksson said.
The use of poison on hunting weapons indicates a complex understanding of both botany and animal behavior, suggesting that Stone Age humans employed strategic methods to immobilize prey more effectively. The gifbol plant’s toxic properties, long recognized by indigenous peoples, were harnessed tens of thousands of years ago, underscoring a deep connection between early humans and their environment.
The Umhlatuzana Rock Shelter has yielded significant archaeological evidence over the years, but this discovery adds a new dimension to our understanding of prehistoric life in southern Africa. It complements other findings documented by institutions such as the National Park Service and the Natural History Museum, which emphasize the importance of early technological advances in human evolution.
Experts believe that the application of poison to arrows would have allowed hunters to target larger or faster animals with greater success, reducing the risk of injury during close encounters. This technique likely contributed to the survival and expansion of early human populations across diverse and challenging landscapes.
The study also sheds light on the transmission of indigenous knowledge regarding toxic plants, a tradition that has persisted in various forms among African communities. The gifbol’s toxicity, caused by its unique chemical compounds, continues to be studied for its pharmacological properties by researchers at institutions like the National Institutes of Health.
As archaeologists continue to explore the Umhlatuzana site and others like it, the discovery of these poisoned arrowheads offers a compelling glimpse into the ingenuity and adaptability of our ancestors. It challenges previous assumptions about the timeline of technological development and highlights the intricate relationship between humans and their natural surroundings during the Stone Age.
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