Archaeological data provide valuable information about the uses of plants in the past. Information comes from a number of sources, including fossil plant and human remains as well as tools and implements. Oral histories, folk tales, and prehistoric art often provide additional clues. This range of data reflects the diversity of expertise required to analyze it. We have already examined a number of psychoactive plant preparations from the Americas in this unit. Now we will look at examples from Europe, and their historical use. In doing this we will also examine the ways archaeological data is collected.
1. In your own words, define the following two areas of study: archaeology and paleoethnobotany. How do these two areas of study relate to each other? How does paleoethnobotany differ from paleobotany?
2. The paper discusses two types of data: artifactual and paleoethnobotanical. Give specific examples of each and describe the sources of data and the type of information you can gain.
3. Why are psychoactive plants used in religion and medicine?
4. Give examples of plants that have uses in addition to their psychoactive effects.