Description
Kamanagua Rapé Piri-Piri Warrior | Piri piri (Justicia pectoralis) | #53
Kamanagua Rapé Piri Piri Warrior was made by members of the Kamanagua tribe. It is a snuff that enhances the senses, especially the smell. It is believed to be a protector and guides the brave warrior from his heart. Priprioca (Cyperus articulatus) is a tall marsh grass that grows around ponds and lakes similar to the papyrus. Its roots release a woody and spicy fragrance with floral notes. According to Brazilian folklore, the name priprioca came from Piri-Piri who was a great warrior who lived in the heart of the Amazon jungle. It is said that he gave off a wonderful smell, able to attract any Indian tribe. He also had the power to become invisible when in danger.
As for J. pectoralis, this small leafy plant is widely used in Amazonian folk medicine as an antiseptic, wound healer, sedative, astringent, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and pain reliever.
Kamanagua Rapé Piri Piri Warrior is recommended for those who are engaged in activities that require strength and clarity. When used it is believed that it promotes spiritual evolution.
The Kamanagua tribe
The Kamanagua or ‘people of the dog’ are a clan belonging to the Katukina tribe. The Katukina or Catuquinha are an indigenous group that inhabits the southwestern Brazilian state of Acre. They seem to be closely related to the Marúbo and the Kawanawas. They also belong to the same Pano linguistic family. By 1977 there were less than 200 Katukina people but the population is steadily recovering. Other Katukinas clans are the varinaua (people of the sun), satanaua (people of the otter), and neianaua (people of heaven).
Katukina women usually help the Shaman in rapé preparation. They also keep and pass on traditional knowledge of the plant’s properties. Together with their children, they do much of the work; from drying, grinding, and mixing, to roasting in order to make the perfect quality snuff.
Chanting rituals and profound forest survival skills keep this group united and in harmony with the rich amazonian environment they come from. They are the traditional carriers of rapé knowledge in the Amazonas region. When Katukinas share their rapé it is a key moment of transcendent connection with the spiritual realm.
What is Rapé?
Rapé, pronounced ‘ha-pey’ in Portuguese, is a traditional snuff used by various indigenous tribes of South America. Predominantly tribal people from Brazil and Peru. Rapé blends contain a ground mixture of plants, tree bark, seeds, and ash. The fine powder is blown into each nostril through a bone or bamboo pipe called a ‘Tepi’ or ‘Kuripe’. The Tepi applicator is a long blow pipe that connects the nostril of the receiver to the mouth of the person that administers the snuff. The Kuripe is for self-application. The V-shaped applicator connects the nostril to the mouth allowing the snuff to be self-blown into the nose.
Each tribe has its own rapé formula and usually, it is women who gather the ingredients. The selection, mixture, and grinding process are regarded as a ritual only to be performed by a reputable healer. The snuff is typically made in small batches according to the specific needs of the person being treated or the ceremony’s occasion.
The use of Rapé aims to restore our connection to nature and a sense of grounding. It clears mental fog and confusion eliminating negative thought patterns. These powerful snuffs bring about physical and spiritual wellness.
Read more:
Step by step guide to using Rapé.
What is Rapé – Waking Herbs blog
