Description
Arara Shawandawa Rapé | Canela de velho (Miconia albicans) & Wild Mint (Mentha piperita) | #76
Arara Shawandawa Rapé is made with ash of the bark of the Canela de Velho (Miconia albicans) plant. This shrub is a species of the Melastomataceae family, which is native to the American continent. Canela de Velho has been a local remedy for a wide variety of chronic pains in the knees, spine, and joints for centuries. It is considered a sacred plant.
Arara Shawandawa Rapé also contains wild mint, commonly called mint Piperita, monte yuyo, or mint melissa. Mentha piperita is a sterile hybrid obtained from the crossing of the aquatic mint (Mentha aquatica) and the common mint (Mentha spicata).This Arara Shawandawa Rapé is strong.
Arara Shawandawa, also known as Arara del Acre, Shawandaua, Shawanaua, Shawanauá, Shaonahua, or Shaodawa are an indigenous group that inhabits the southwest of the Brazilian state of Acre. This tribe came in contact with western “civilization” only at the beginning of the 20th century. The entire tribe currently consists of no more than 550 souls. We feel very grateful that they chose to work with us and that we can now offer their rare exclusive Arara Shawandawa Rapé to rapé enthusiasts around the world while offering a good source of income to this community that is under a lot of pressure.
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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