The discovery of poisoned arrowheads is reshaping what scientists know about early human intelligence and survival. Archaeologists have identified the world’s oldest-known poisoned arrowheads, dating back roughly 60,000 years, offering new evidence that Stone Age humans possessed advanced planning and hunting skills far earlier than once believed.
Researchers uncovered the poisoned arrowheads at Umhlatuzana Rock Shelter in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The quartz arrowheads carried traces of poison derived from the gifbol plant, sometimes called the “poisonous onion.” Scientists detected the toxic compounds buphanidrine and epibuphanisine, confirming deliberate use of plant-based poison to enhance hunting effectiveness.
The findings, published in Science Advances, stem from collaboration between Swedish and South African researchers. Stockholm University professor Sven Isaksson said the discovery was the product of “a long and close collaboration between researchers in South Africa and Sweden.” He added that “being able to identify the world’s oldest arrow poison together has been a complex undertaking and is incredibly encouraging for continued research.”
Experts say the discovery underscores human ingenuity long before modern civilization. Linnaeus University professor Anders Högberg described the arrows as “a clear sign of advanced thinking in early humans,” noting that “using arrow poison requires planning, patience and an understanding of cause and effect.”
University of Johannesburg professor Marlize Lombard said the results show that “our ancestors in Southern Africa invented the bow and arrow much earlier than previously thought.”
