New archaeological findings at Chavín de Huántar in Peru provide evidence that the Chavín civilization used substances derived from the vilca tree for ritualistic purposes. Unlike the Wari empire, which utilized hallucinogens to build political ties around 850 CE, the Chavín may have aimed to reinforce elite social structures approximately 1,000 years earlier. The study indicates that consuming vilca could have been restricted to a select few, reflecting its role in maintaining social hierarchies. This practice aligns with historical trends of hallucinogenic use in various ancient cultures for ceremonial purposes.
"The recent discovery at Chavín de Huántar indicates that the consumption of vilca was prevalent over 1,000 years earlier than previously recognized, showing its importance in ancient social structures."
"Unlike the Wari, who may have used hallucinogens to foster political alliances, the Chavín likely limited access to vilca to reinforce social hierarchies among an elite class."
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