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Ritual Black Drink consumption at Cahokia.
Patricia L Crown1, Thomas E Emerson, Jiyan Gu
1Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA. pcrown@unm.edu
Summary
Archaeological findings reveal biomarkers for Ilex (holly) in ancient pottery, indicating the ritualistic preparation and consumption of Black Drink at Cahokia. This discovery extends the known ritual use of holly far beyond its historical range.
Area of Science:
- Archaeochemistry
- Archaeology
- Ethnobotany
Background:
- The ritualistic consumption of Black Drink, a beverage derived from Ilex species (holly), is historically documented in the American Southeast.
- The use of Black Drink was primarily associated with ritual purification practices among men.
Observation:
- Chemical analysis of pottery fragments from Cahokia and surrounding Illinois sites revealed theobromine, caffeine, and ursolic acid.
- These compounds are recognized biomarkers for specific Ilex species utilized in Black Drink preparation.
Findings:
- This study presents the first discovery of Ilex biomarkers in archaeological contexts, specifically within beaker vessels from Cahokia.
- The artifacts date between A.D. 1050 and 1250, placing the findings significantly north of the known historical distribution of the relevant holly species.
Implications:
- The presence of these biomarkers suggests sustained ritualistic consumption of Black Drink at Cahokia, utilizing Ilex plants sourced from the southern United States.
- This finding challenges previous understandings of the geographical extent and historical timeline of Black Drink's ritualistic use.
