Tepi - Handwoven Leather

A two person snuff applicator is a Tepi. The people in the Amazon Forest use it for ceremonial Rappé sharing. There are an endless variety of models and possibilities. In the old days the indigenous used a long bamboo or a reed to blow, as became famous from anthropological movies. Nowadays they are usually a bit less dramatic but depending on the quantity of medicine and strength of the blow, the Rappé experience is till very strong.

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.