Tradition

Gesileu Phaspy Ninawa: A Guardian of the Living Pharmacy of the Amazon Rainforest In the city of Rio Branco, in the state of Acre, there resides an extraordinary man named Gesileu Phaspy Ninawa. Gesileu is a true master in the art of ancestral medicine. His knowledge has been acquired through years of studying with the […]

Pedro Univu Kuntanawa For those who want to hear! Simple but profound words from a true teacher of the forest, a master of the plants. Our dear friend and partner Pedro Univu Kuntanawa is sharing a little of his vison of the forest and its gifts and what it means to him. We occasionally work […]

There is no art so unique among the indigenous people that inhabit the Peruvian-Brazilian border than the Kene Kuin, known as the ‘true drawing’. The graphics of this people.  are an important part of the cultural identity of the Kaxinawá tribe. In today’s post, we are going to talk more about the Kene Kuin, the […]

What is it? Rapé Chief comes straight from Nixiwaka, also known as Biraci Brasil, Chief of the Yawanawa tribe. This is a very special snuff, made with a mixture of three types of tobacco: Moi tobacco, native to the region, extra-strong rope tobacco and the famous Sabia tobacco. In addition, Tsunu ash is also used. […]

“The shaman gives and takes life. To become a shaman, you go alone into the forest and wrap your entire body in embira. You lie down at an intersection with your arms and legs outstretched. First come the night butterflies, the husu, who completely cover your body. Next comes the yuxin who eats the husu […]

For the past few years we have been working closely with chief Fernando Katukina, leader of his people. We have been helping to realize projects in their community. His family has been supplying us with Katukina medicines and handicrafts. To the great sadness of all who knew him he passed away earlier this year. We […]

  The pristine Gregorio River, highway to the Yawanawá. Filling the engine at the gas station. Cruising on the river. Arrival at Nova Esperança where the festival is held. Opening the games. A clay pot with a bamboo, used for events but also by shamans for healing. Yawanawá warrior. Circular dancing, somethings exist in all […]

What is Rapé? Rapé (pronounced “ha-pay”) is a shamanic and sacred tobacco-based snuff used across Amazonian indigenous groups. Searching online this question is most of the time answered focusing on the French origin of the word rapé. Maybe ingredients are mentioned: powdered tobacco, ashes and maybe some other plants. To a certain extent that tells […]

Where does rapé come from? Among the many sacred stories passed down through generations of Indigenous peoples in the Amazon, the Yawanawá origin myth of rapé is perhaps one of the most powerful. It reveals not only how this sacred shamanic snuff came to Earth, but also why it holds such an essential place in […]