How old is the history of Datura use?
Remains of Datura seedpods and seeds have been found in ritual context in the Pecos River area of southern Texas dating to at least 2000 B.C. These plant remains are often associated with remains of other known hallucinogenic plants including peyote (Lophophora williamsii), Texas mountain laurel or mescal bean (Sophora secundiflora), and Mexican buckeye (Ungnadia speciosa). In addition, petroglyphs in this region dating from 2200 to 950 B.C. depict many shamans holding “Datura staffs.” Iconographic depictions of Datura in Mexico date from 2500 B.C. associated with the Olmec people. D. metel has been known as a hallucinogen in the Old World since early Chinese and Sanskrit herbals. The 11th century Arabian physician Avicenna also knew of Datura. Taoist legend calls D. metel one of the circumpolar stars, and the Hindu’s believe it is the “tuft of Shiva” and as such is often depicted on statues of Shiva in his headdress.
