60,000 years ago humans were already using poisoned arrows
Scientists have detected traces of plant-based poison on Stone Age arrowheads from South Africa, marking the oldest confirmed use
Scientists have detected traces of plant-based poison on Stone Age arrowheads from South Africa, marking the oldest confirmed use of arrow poison ever identified. The findings, published in Science Advances, show that people living in southern Africa 60,000 years ago already understood how to harness toxic plants to improve their hunting success.
An international team from South Africa and Sweden analyzed 60,000-year-old quartz arrowheads recovered from Umhlatuzana Rock Shelter in KwaZulu-Natal. Chemical testing revealed residues from gifbol (Boophone disticha), a highly toxic plant that is still known and used by traditional hunters in the region today.
“This is the result of a long and close collaboration between researchers in South Africa and Sweden. Being able to identify the world’s oldest arrow poison together has been a complex undertaking and is incredibly encouraging for continued research,” says Professor Sven Isaksson at the Archaeological Research Laboratory, Stockholm University, an expert in the analysis of organic residues in archaeological materials who carried out the chemical analyses.
Direct Evidence of Poisoned Arrows 60,000 Years Ago
Until now, researchers have relied on indirect clues to suggest that early humans used poison in hunting. These newly tested arrowheads provide the first direct chemical proof.
“This is the oldest direct evidence that humans used arrow poison. It shows that our ancestors in southern Africa not only invented the bow and arrow much earlier than previously thought, but also understood how to use nature’s chemistry to increase hunting efficiency,” says Professor Marlize Lombard, a researcher at the Palaeo-Research Institute at the University of Johannesburg.
Laboratory analysis identified two specific alkaloids, buphanidrine and epibuphanisine. Both compounds are found in Boophone disticha, also known as gifbol (i.e. poisonous onion), a plant long recognized for its powerful toxic effects.
Chemical Stability and a Long Tradition of Knowledge
The same chemical signatures were detected on 250-year-old arrowheads preserved in Swedish museum collections. Those weapons were gathered by travelers in the 18th century. The presence of the same plant poison on both ancient and more recent arrows suggests that this knowledge was passed down across countless generations.
“Finding traces of the same poison on both prehistoric and historical arrowheads was crucial,” says Professor Sven Isaksson. “By carefully studying the chemical structure of the substances and thus drawing conclusions about their properties, we were able to determine that these particular substances are stable enough to survive this long in the ground,” he continues. “It’s also fascinating that people had such a deep and long-standing understanding of the use of plants.”
Advanced Planning and Early Human Intelligence
The discovery also sheds light on the cognitive abilities of early humans. Applying poison to arrows is not a simple task. It requires preparation, timing, and an understanding of how toxins affect animals after a wound is inflicted.
The evidence from Umhlatuzana Rock Shelter indicates that these hunters combined technical skill with forward planning. Their ability to anticipate outcomes and use toxic compounds strategically reflects mental capabilities similar to those of modern humans.
“Using arrow poison requires planning, patience and an understanding of cause and effect. It is a clear sign of advanced thinking in early humans,” says Professor Anders Högberg at the Department of Cultural Sciences, Linnaeus University.
