Full Description
A multidisciplinary study of pre-Columbian South Americacentering on the psychoactive plant genus Anadenanthera
As cultures formed and evolved in pre-Columbian South America, Anadenanthera became one of the most widely used shamanic inebriants. Anadenanthera: Visionary Plant of Ancient South America is more than a comprehensive reference on shamanic visionary substances; it is a useful tool for archeologists and pre-Columbian art historians. This thorough book examines the ritual and cultural use of Anadenanthera from prehistory to the present, along with its botany, chemistry, pharmacology, anthropology, and archeology.
The earliest evidence for the use of psychoactive plants in South America is provided by remains of seeds and pods recovered from archeological sites four millennia old. Various preparations were derived from it with the intent of being a shamanic inebriant. Inhaled through the nose, smoked in pipes or as cigars, and prepared in fermented drinks, Anadenanthera served a central role in the cultural development of indigenous societies in South America. Anadenanthera: Visionary Plant of Ancient South America explores the full spectrum of information gleaned from research, covering numerous archeological sites in the Andean region, as well as discussing Amazonian shamanic rituals and lore. Analyses of the artistic expressions within the decorations of associated ceremonial paraphernalia such as ritual snuffing tubes and snuff trays are included. The text is richly illustrated with photographs and images of decorated ritual implements, and provides a comprehensive bibliography.
Anadenanthera: Visionary Plant of Ancient South America explores:
botanical aspects, taxonomy, and geographical distribution of Anadenanthera
ethnographical, historical, and traditional aspects of Anadenanthera use
chemical and pharmacological investigations of the genus and the various visionary preparations derived from itwith emphasis on the biologically active constituents
theories of the mechanisms of action of the active tryptamines and carboline alkaloids
comparisons of wood anatomy, morphology, and percentage of alkaloid content
evaluation of stylistic and iconographic traits
Anadenanthera: Visionary Plant of Ancient South America is a thorough, useful resource for archeologists, anthropologists, chemists, researchers, pre-Columbian art historians, and any layperson interested in pre-Columbian art, archeology, or visionary plants.
Contents
Foreword (Alexander T. Shulgin)
Preface
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1. The Botany of Anadenanthera
Taxonomic Background
Species Descriptions
Appendix: Synonyms and Indigenous Names
Chapter 2. Archaeological Evidence for Anadenanthera Preparations
The Taíno
The Central Andes
The Northern Andes
Appendix: Archaeological Evidence for Anadenanthera Use
Chapter 3. Anadenanthera in Non-Andean South America
The Orinoco Basin
The Amazon Basin
The Southern Amazon Basin Periphery
Appendix: Indigenous Use of Anadenanthera in the Orinoco-Amazon Basin and Its Southern Periphery
Chapter 4. The Chemistry of the Genus Anadenanthera
Chemical Makeup and Commercial Uses of Anadenanthera
Biosynthesis of the Anadenanthera Alkaloids
Biochemical Systematics of Anadenanthera
Appendix: Species of Piptadenia from South America Studied for the Presence of Alkaloids
Chapter 5. The Pharmacology of Bufotenine
Whole Animal Research
Basic Pharmacology
Human Studies
Appendix: Chemical Structures of Anadenanthera-Based Drugs
Chapter 6. Summary and Conclusions
Bibliography
Index
Reference Notes Included
