Description
Katukina Wild Piper Rapé | Tsunu (Platycyamus regnellii) & Piper sp. | #10
Katukina Wild Piper Rapé is made Brazilian Amazon with Tsunu tree bark ash and Piper sp. It’s made with a lot of care by a katukina shaman.
Piper is known by the tribe leaders for increasing vitality and strength and for its calming effects. Coincidentally these observations are similar to western science findings as regards Piper sp boosting the immune system.
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. By 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. They are the traditional carriers of rapé knowledge in the Amazonas region. When Katukinas share their rapé is a key moment of communication with the upper level. They believe the celestial spirits arrive to supervise the songs and dances and reality of the earth world.
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
