Kuripe - Jagube

One more top snuff tool from Tete Pawã. Decorated with the usual fine work and a small disk of Caapi vine, also called Jagube. One amongst many names used by some tribes and religious groups from the Brazilian Amazon for Banisteriopsis caapi, more commonly called Ayahausca.

There can be slight varieties from product to product since each is a hand crafted product.

This model was made by our handicrafts experts at the Tete Pawã arts and crafts studio. They are located in the upper Juruá region of Marechal Thaumaturgo municipality, way up on the Amazon. The only way to get there is a two day boat journey or with a four seater airplane. 

Tete Pawã is the Harpy in the Pano indigenous language. It is the biggest bird of prey of the region and considered very sacred to the native peoples of the region. A truly majestic and royal bird. In Huni Kuin myth he is an enchanted being created by Yuxibu, the great spirit.

A snuff auto applicator is a V shaped instrument. It is called a “Kuripe” in the native language.

The Kuripe is used in the following way. You load it with the right amount of Shamanic Snuff for your personal need. One end is put in the mouth and the other in the nose. Without inhaling one gently blows the rapé into the nose. Kuripes can be made of different materials. The most common materials are bamboo or bone but they can also be made of metal or wood.

Use

The secret of a good application is in the way the Rappé is blown into the nose. Always before blowing clear and elevate your mind. Think positive and visualise positive intentions; your intentions will flow with your breath.

There are many different breath strengths and styles that can be used for blowing. The most common blows are named the Beija Flor (the hummingbird), and the Jiboiá (the boa constrictor).

The Beija Flor is a short and fast blow, the Jiboia is long and slow. The Beija Flor is a more uplifting hit, waking you up. The Jiboia starts gentle and gains strength towards the end. With smaller amounts it is gentle and meditative; with bigger amounts it slowly creeps up on you and gains strength at the end.

You always finish the blow bringing the point of your tongue to the roof of your mouth. This gives an ending to the application, so to speak. It’s a good idea to train a bit without Rappé – just take the Tepi on its own and practice your technique.

When you receive Rappé, never breath in through the nose – hold your breath and let the Rappé enter.

After you have blown yourself, or received the Rappé from someone else, it’s best to close your eyes and concentrate. Don’t breathe through your nose but through your mouth and let the Rappé sweat a bit. When it starts to run down your throat, either spit it out or blow your nose, or both.

Working with Rappé is a cleansing process, so spit out any residence you feel dripping down your throat. Keep some tissue to hand and let nature and the Rappé do its work.