Traces of plant-based poison have been discovered on several 60,000-year-old quartz Stone Age arrowheads unearthed in South Africa, according to a new study published in the journal Science Advances. The find represents the oldest direct evidence of humans using poison on projectiles, indicating a sophisticated hunting strategy dating back to the Pleistocene epoch.

The discovery pushes back the known timeline for the use of poisoned weapons and offers insights into the cognitive abilities of early humans. Poisoned arrows and darts have been employed by various cultures worldwide for both hunting and warfare throughout history. Historical records from ancient Greece and Rome contain recipes for poisoning projectiles and accounts of their deployment in battle. Similarly, warriors in ancient China, Gaul, and Scythia utilized poisoned weapons, as did some indigenous populations in the Americas.

The poisons used on projectiles were typically derived from plants or animals. Examples of animal-based poisons include toxins from frogs, beetles, and venomous lizards. Plant-based poisons, such as curare, a muscle relaxant that paralyzes the respiratory system, causing death by asphyxiation, were also common. The specific plant used to create the poison found on the South African arrowheads is currently under investigation.

Archaeologists believe the use of poisoned arrows demonstrates a high level of cognitive complexity, requiring knowledge of poisonous substances, their effects, and the techniques for applying them to weapons. The ability to develop and utilize such strategies suggests advanced planning and communication skills among early human populations. Further research is planned to analyze the residue on the arrowheads to identify the specific plant species used and to understand the methods employed to extract and apply the poison. The findings could provide valuable information about the hunting practices, technological capabilities, and environmental knowledge of early humans in southern Africa.