The Tampa Museum of Art recently made an intriguing discovery within its permanent collection – a drinking mug from Ancient Egypt that contained trace amounts of a hallucinogenic concoction. The mug, standing at four and a half inches tall, features the deity Bes, known as a protector of mothers, babies, and children during pregnancy, labor, and infancy.
Donated to the museum in 1984, the Bes mug is tentatively dated to the 2nd century BCE and is currently on display as part of the exhibition Prelude. Researchers from the University of South Florida (USF) conducted tests on residue found inside the mug, revealing ingredients such as wheat, sesame seeds, yeast, pine nut oil, grape or pomegranate chemicals, honey proteins, and liquorice root acid. These findings suggest that the concoction may have been an early form of beer.
Interestingly, the researchers also discovered the presence of Syrian rue, a hallucinogenic plant known for inducing dream-like visions, acting as an analgesic, and aiding in labor. Additionally, trace samples of blue water lily, human blood, human breast milk, and mucosal fluids were detected in the concoction. These ingredients point to a complex and possibly ritualistic purpose for the drink.
USF professor Davide Tanasi, one of the researchers involved in the study, highlighted the significance of these findings in shedding light on ancient Egyptian rituals and beliefs. He emphasized the connection between the concoction found in the Bes mug and the rituals conducted in the Bes Chambers near the Great Pyramids at Giza.
The inclusion of human bodily fluids in the concoction suggests that it was not meant for daily consumption but rather reserved for special occasions or rituals. This finding adds another layer of mystery to the ancient Egyptian practices surrounding fertility, childbirth, and divine inspiration.
Overall, the discovery of the hallucinogenic concoction in the Ancient Egyptian drinking mug at the Tampa Museum of Art provides valuable insights into the religious and ritualistic practices of this ancient civilization. The research conducted by the USF team opens up new avenues for understanding the myths and traditions of the past.
