Description
Yucuna Rapé | Chapune | Virola Snuff | #95
This Chapune rapé is a lovely, relaxing, and energy-cleansing snuff. It is a black rapé and is considered very strong.
Our Chapune Yucuna Rapé was made by Leonarda Yucuna Muca, a wise grandmother from “La Pedrera”, by the side of the Mirití Paraná river, deep in the Colombian Amazon rainforest. In this community, the women lead the process of making traditional snuff. All other family members participate in the preparation by collecting the plants and keeping the fire going at just the right temperature.
Native Use
Yucuna tribe members use Chapune snuff in ceremonies within the community in order to bring harmony to the group. “Curacas” is the name given to local Shamans and wise men or leaders in this part of the rainforest. They use Chapune snuff as a powerful tool for rebalancing, as well as during traditional festivities before dancing around the fire and for blessing the “Chontaduro”. This last fruit is the peach palm which is very nutritious. It’s a staple food and is highly valued among all Amazonian tribes. “Curacas” also use this sacred rapé during important meetings where community decision-making debates are taking place.
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 sense of grounding. It clears mental fog and confusion eliminating negative thought patterns. These powerful snuffs bring about physical and spiritual wellness.
For more information
Would you like to know more about the Amazon indigenous people? Check this interesting website.
