Chapter 11 - Mushroom Intoxication in Mesoamerica

Abstract

Although toxic mushrooms and other hallucinogens have been known and used in Mesoamerican religion since Paleolithic times, their presence and influence on Mesoamerican culture has been very slow in being recognized. This paper explores the various reasons for this lag in acceptance. The fact that these agents have been considered entheogenic (god generating) is perhaps the most compelling reason, but there are other reasons that are equally compelling. Also explored is the reaction of the Spanish clergy to the discovery of mushroom worship, the role of toxic mushrooms and other entheogens in the development of Mesoamerican religion, and iconography, and the role of mushroom intoxication in warfare and ritual human decapitation and sacrifice. Finally, the paper demonstrates the persistence of this ancient belief system into modern times.