Archaeologists made a fascinating discovery in 1983 when they unearthed an ancient femur bone in a cave in South Africa. This bone, belonging to an unspecified antelope and dating back 7,000 years, contained three modified bone arrowheads placed inside the marrow cavity. The artefacts recovered from the cave, including the femur, were stored at the University of the Witwatersrand’s Archaeology Department until 2022, when new archaeological investigations at Kruger Cave reignited interest in these ancient treasures.
A team of scientists from the University of Johannesburg, including myself, embarked on a study of the femur to uncover its secrets. Our research revealed that the femur contained the oldest confirmed multi-component arrow poison in the world. This poison was a complex mixture of at least two toxic plant ingredients, with evidence pointing to a third toxin as well. The ability to mix such intricate recipes for poison, adhesives, or medicine showcases the cognitive capacities and traditional pharmacological knowledge of the ancient inhabitants of South Africa.
By utilizing advanced imaging techniques such as micro-CT, we were able to examine the femur in detail and analyze the chemical composition of the foreign matter found in the marrow cavity. Our results indicated the presence of two toxic cardiac glycosides, digitoxin and strophanthidin, along with ricinoleic acid. These compounds, originating from different plant sources, suggested that the ancient people combined multiple plant ingredients to create the poisonous recipe found in the femur.
Interestingly, none of the plant species containing the identified toxins were native to the vicinity of Kruger Cave. This discovery implies that either the ancient inhabitants traveled long distances to acquire these ingredients or engaged in trade to obtain these toxic plants. The knowledge of which plants to use, where to find them, and how to effectively utilize them highlights the sophisticated traditional pharmacological knowledge systems of the past.
The use of poison on hunting weapons represents a significant advancement in hunting technology, with historical records indicating that hunters worldwide utilized toxic compounds from plants and animals to enhance the effectiveness of their weapons. In southern Africa, various plants and animals were used to tip arrows with poison, often combined in complex recipes using diverse preparation methods.
This study sheds light on the early use of poison on hunting weapons and underscores the importance of archaeobotany and organic chemistry in unraveling the mysteries of the past. By combining these disciplines, researchers can piece together the story of our ancient ancestors and gain insights into their cognitive abilities and traditional knowledge systems.
In conclusion, the discovery of the ancient femur containing the oldest confirmed multi-component arrow poison opens a window into the past, revealing the sophisticated skills and knowledge of the ancient inhabitants of South Africa. This research not only deepens our understanding of ancient hunting practices but also highlights the ingenuity and resourcefulness of early human societies.
