Archaeological remnants of ancient customs and rituals frequently offer insight into past societies. From the well-preserved mummies of ancient Egypt to remnants of psychoactive substances discovered in clay vessels that have endured for millennia, certain traces of history exhibit remarkable resilience against time’s passage.
In parts of Southeast Asia, the practice of chewing betel nuts has cultural significance. These reddish fruits, derived from the areca palm, release psychoactive chemicals when chewed, enhancing alertness, inducing euphoria, and promoting relaxation. Traditionally, they are consumed wrapped in betel leaves along with lime paste, which varies in preparation based on regional customs.
Distinguishing features of the ancient practice of betel nut chewing are found in the teeth of its users, often marked by red staining. When archaeologist Piyawit Moonkham from Chiang Mai University excavated 4,000-year-old skeletons at the Bronze Age burial site of Nong Ratchawat, the absence of these characteristic red stains suggested that the individuals may not have engaged in this practice.
However, further investigation of dental plaque revealed a surprising find. Several teeth from one skeleton contained compounds associated with betel nuts. This unexpected discovery raises the possibility that dental hygiene routines could have erased the pigment or that alternative consumption methods may have been used.
“Our analysis indicated that the mineralized plaque can retain various microscopic and biomolecular markers,” Moonkham stated in a study published in *Frontiers*. “This preliminary research signifies the potential to identify other psychoactive plant compounds.”
Longstanding Tradition
The tradition of chewing betel nuts in Thailand has a history that stretches back at least 9,000 years. During the era of the Lanna Kingdom, which began in the 13th century, teeth stained by betel chewing were regarded as aesthetically pleasing. Although the practice is declining, it remains integral to some religious rituals, traditional healing practices, and social gatherings, particularly among certain ethnic groups and rural populations.
