Description
Katukina rapé | Peregrina | Grounding | #34
This rapé contains ash from the A. peregrins seeds and Nicotiana rusica leaves. It’s Great for Grounding and Focusing. This Katukina Rapé Peregrina is among our strongest ones. It has been prepared exclusively for Waking Herbs by a Katukina Healer. He is a living custodian of this ancestral tradition of snuff making in the Amazon.
This widespread tree belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to South America and the Caribbean. Very well known and used by indigenous people for its medicinal properties. These include being antibacterial, anti-inflammatory. In certain rituals, A. peregrina is also used as an entheogen.
The pods of A. peregrina found growing under the Parica trees, when ripe, would open and expose the grayish seeds inside. Traditionally, local people will gather these seeds, sometimes already fermented, then moisten and grind them on stones to create a paste. The paste is then gently roasted over a slow-burning fire and allowed to dry. Some people say that an alkaline substance, such as the ash of plants or pulverized snail shells was then added to the mixture. The addition of calcium to “chews” or “snuffs” is historically a common practice among indigenous peoples.
The Katukina people
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. In 1977 there were less than 200 Katukina people but the population is steadily recovering. Chanting rituals and profound forest survival skills keep this group united and in harmony with the rich amazonian environment they come from.
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.
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