<a href="http://strangeattractor.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/081022-drug-mummies_big.jpg"><img class="alignleft alignnone size-full wp-image-1075" style="float: left; border: 0; margin: 8px;" title="081022-drug-mummies_big" src="http://strangeattractor.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/081022-drug-mummies_big.jpg" alt="" width="221" height="225" /></a>

<em>'The first hard evidence of psychoactive drug use in the ancient Andes has been discovered in mummies' hair, a new study says. </em>

<em>The finding confirms that predecessors of the Inca known as the Tiwanaku used mind-altering substances, and hints that the civilization relied on far-reaching trade networks to obtain the drugs.</em>

<em>Scientists recently analyzed 32 naturally mummified Tiwanaku bodies discovered in northern Chile's Azapa Valley, which lies in the Atacama Desert.</em>

<em>The researchers discovered a compound called harmine in hairs from an adult male and a one-year-old baby, who both date to sometime between A.D. 800 and 1200. Harmine can help humans absorb hallucinogens and may be a powerful antidepressant.'  </em>Full story at <a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/10/081022-drug-mummies.html" target="_blank">National Geographic
</a>via the mighty <a href="http://www.boingboing.net/2008/10/28/ancient-mummy-hair-s.html" target="_blank">Boing Boing</a>

Thanks <a href="http://www.kosmische.org">Leon Muraglia</a>!