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2,400 Year Old Solid Gold Bongs Uncovered
A
lthough they look extremely different to
the modern day bongs you may be used
to, these two solid gold contraptions
were used as part of ceremonial rituals involving cannabis and opium.
It is thought that these bongs were used by the
tribal chiefs of the Scythians, a group of nomadic warriors that held a lot of sway across
the grasslands of Europe and Asia for over a
thousand years, dating all the way back to the
9th Century BC. It would make these bongs
over 2,400 years old – the oldest in existence.
What makes this all the more impressive is the
fact that they are solid gold. I don’t know about
you, but we think owning a solid gold bong is
pretty bad ass! (If maybe not practical).
Each bong was found with a thick layer of
black residue in them, which were later determined by arachnologists to be the residue of
use. The Scythians were historically known for
their love of cannabis and opium, and would
both smoke, and brew it into powerful concoctions before battle. This was documented
by the ancient Greek historian, Herodotus,
who wrote, “Scythians used a plant to produce
smoke that no Grecian vapour-bath can surpass,” and that “transported by the vapour,
[they] shout aloud”.
W
hilst the idea of making a cannabisopium brew may seem odd, according
to Antonn Gass of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, the idea “that both
drugs were being used simultaneously is beyond doubt.”
The bongs themselves tell an interesting story, each depicting a scene with their ornate
craftsmanship. One has the image of an old
bearded man slaying younger warriors. It is
thought that this may portray the “bastard
wars” Herodotus wrote of – in which warriors
returned home to kill the secret love children
of their wives. The other displays a more mystical scene, with gryphon like creatures ripping
horses and stags apart. Pretty heavy subject
areas to have on a bong!
The ancient bongs were uncovered by construction workers in Russia assembling power
lines. The area was later combed over more
thoroughly by archaeologists, who found additional gold neck rings and bowls. These examples of cannabis history are now on display at
a museum in Russia, along with the other findings from the area. Seems like the Scythians
knew how to get high in style!
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