Inca Child Sacrifice Rituals: Toxicological Analysis Reveals Coca, Alcohol, and Psychedelics Used

Archaeologists have conducted toxicological analyses on the mummified remains of individuals sacrificed in Inca mountain shrines, uncovering the psychoactive substances used in these rituals. The study, focusing on the Capacocha ceremony, reveals that victims—often children—were given coca leaves, alcohol, and hallucinogenic plants like ayahuasca or vilca before their deaths. These substances were likely used to calm and prepare the sacrificial offerings for their journey to the gods. The findings, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, shed light on the spiritual and political significance of these ceremonies, which reinforced Inca state power across the Andes. By analyzing hair samples from mummies found at high-altitude sites in Peru, Chile, and Argentina, researchers identified chemical traces that provide direct evidence of drug consumption. This research not only deepens our understanding of Inca religious practices but also highlights the sophisticated use of psychoactive substances in ancient civilizations. The study underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in archaeology, combining toxicology, anthropology, and history to reconstruct past rituals. As more mummies are discovered, future analyses may reveal regional variations in sacrificial practices and drug use across the vast Inca Empire.