Discovery of Ancient Poison Arrows Reveals Advanced Hunting Techniques

Recent research has uncovered traces of plant toxins on Stone Age arrowheads, indicating that the oldest known poison arrows were used by hunter-gatherers in South Africa approximately 60,000 years ago. This finding, published in the journal Science Advances, suggests that sophisticated hunting strategies were employed much earlier than previously believed. The study highlights the use of the gifbol plant's toxins, which were likely applied to quartz arrowheads to enhance hunting efficiency. The implications of this discovery emphasize the cognitive abilities and cultural knowledge of prehistoric humans, showcasing their understanding of plant properties and delayed effects of toxins on prey.

Key Details: • Research published in Science Advances details findings from Umhlatuzana Rock Shelter. • Two alkaloids, buphandrine and epibuphanisine, were identified on quartz arrowheads. • The discovery pushes back the timeline for the use of poison in hunting by thousands of years.