An ancient grave of a man covered with hemp (Cannabis) was found in the area of the Turpan Depression in northwestern China. The discovery was made by a group of archaeologists led by Hongen Jiang of the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The plant could facilitate the transition to another world, acting as a kind of guide for the deceased. The researchers presented their conclusions about the ritual use of cannabis in an article published in the journal Economic Botany.
It was found that the skeleton, whose age is 2.5-2.8 thousand years old, belonged to a 35-year-old man. A willow pillow was placed under his head, and the remains from the pelvis to the skull were covered with a hemp shroud. The remains were in one of 240 graves in the area known as the Jiayi Cemetery. According to archaeologists, the area was a desert oasis that served as a resting place for travelers on the Silk Road.
The researchers note that hemp seeds or leaves were found in nearby graves. Since many of the skeletons were covered with trichomes - hairs from cannabis stalks containing tetrahydrocannabinol. Scientists believe that these people were actively using marijuana.
For the first time, researchers have received evidence that the plant was used in funeral rites.
People who lived several millennia ago used hemp for various domestic needs. For example, they made ropes and clothes from the plant, and also obtained nutritious oil from seeds. In addition, it was known that hemp was burned or eaten to feel euphoric.
