In Ukrainian, "tobacco" is known as "tyutyun" (тютюн). If this word originates from the Georgian "tutuni," then it derives from "თუთა/ტუტა" (tuta), meaning "mulberry." Notably, the suffix "-uni" is also Kartvelian in origin.
If this linguistic connection holds, it suggests that before the introduction of tobacco, Georgians smoked mulberry leaves. This requires evidence… And here it is:
> "...A most interesting but little-known shamanistic practice involving inhalation and oracles in a magical-religious setting still occurs in the mountains of Central Asia. > Friedl (1965) described shamanism in the region, and von Snoy (1960) filmed Farphu shamans inhaling smoke from mulberry leaves, entering a trance, and delivering prophecies..." > — History of Tobacco by Richard Blum.
In short, Central Asian shamans smoked mulberry leaves, entered a trance, and prophesied.
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