Case file · Folklore / legend
The cohoba ceremony
Pané and later chroniclers described Taíno caciques and behiques (healers) inhaling cohoba powder through forked tubes to speak with the zemís and see the future.
1498 CE · 19.25, -70.60 · status: official
The account
The snuff came from the seeds of Anadenanthera peregrina, which contain DMT-related compounds. Carved wooden stands with platters for the powder survive in museums. The ritual was used to diagnose illness, decide on war and receive prophecies; one told of clothed strangers who would come and destroy the people.