Identification of hallucinatory themes in the Late Neolithic art of Hungary.
P W Stahl
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs 1989 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.1989.10472147 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Late Neolithic culture from Hungary; contemporary and historical cultures in the review |
| Key findings | Argues that the Late Neolithic Venus figurines from Hungary show themes associated with hallucinogen use—eidetic-like iconographic elements, red color, seated anthropomorphic and theriomorphic figurines, and patterned breakage with disposal—suggesting ecstatic religion played a crucial role in that culture. |
Abstract
A number of factors that coalesced in the Venus figurines of the Late Neolithic culture from Hungary have been identified with dominant hallucinatory themes, suggesting the crucial role of ecstatic religion in this culture. This article provides a review of the nature and role of hallucinogens in the ecstatic religion of contemporary and historical cultures in order to establish a background for analysis. Analysis of these Late Neolithic artifacts indicates the presence of a number of themes associated with hallucinogen use: the presence of iconographic elements similar to eidetic forms; the use of red color; anthropo- and theriopomorphic figurines in seated postures; and specific patterns of breakage with disposal. The discussion illuminates the crucial features as well as the role and significance of these factors in ecstatic cults.