{
  "id": 18906519,
  "title": "Ancient Inca mummies reveal coca, alcohol and ayahuasca in sacrifice rituals",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/ancient-inca-mummies-reveal-coca-alcohol-and-ayahuasca-in-sacrifice",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-08T09:20:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/science/archaeology/ancient-inca-mummies-reveal-coca-alcohol-and-ayahuasca-use-in-sacrificial-rituals/articleshow/135640382.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the high Andes, archaeologists discovered eight mummies of children and young people who were sacrificed by the Inca Empire more than 500 years ago. The mummies' hair and nails preserved evidence of the substances they consumed before their deaths. All eight mummies showed traces of coca leaves, which were likely chewed by the children to reduce hunger and fatigue. Four mummies also contained evidence of alcohol consumption, most likely chicha, a fermented maize beer, while two mummies had traces of cocaethylene, a compound formed when cocaine and alcohol are used together. The most surprising discovery was in Juanita's fingernails, where scientists found harmine, an alkaloid found in Banisteriopsis plants used to make ayahuasca. These findings not only confirm the use of psychoactive plants in Inca rituals but also reveal the variations in the preparation of each child based on local traditions, sacred landscapes, and the specific deities being honored.",
  "summary": "A remarkable archaeological find has revealed eight frozen mummies of children from the Inca Empire, believed to have been sacrificed. Analysis of their hair and nails showed they've ingested coca and alcohol, hinting at a diversity of ritual practices based on local customs. Notably, one mummy, Juanita, contained harmine traces, suggesting specialized ritualistic preparations. This research…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}