The connection between Medicine and Art
Part of the culture of the indigenous communities that reside in the Amazon Forest, the Kuripe pipes are tools that promote direct connection to the world of natural and sacred medicine, being frequently used even during daily rituals to connect oneself with the spirits of different rapés, by different communities, as part of age-old traditions.
These applicators come in the shape of a “V”, making these applicators perfect for individual and personalized use. And, since each connoisseur of shamanic medicinal practices makes use of this tool in a unique way, it’s understandable that demands for personalized kuripes are common, as it is the case with applicators made from high quality source materials and that mirror the individuality of each user.
As each plant chosen to be incorporated into the recipe of a certain Rapé, for example, offers different properties and harmonizes with every other ingredient, the material and visual aspects of applicators used in the rituals that revolve around the use of this special medicine are worthy of the same level of attention and care during their making.
Keeping such ideals in mind, Sacred Connection establishes partnerships with dedicated, experienced, and knowledgeable artisans that possess the know-how to establish a link between practitioners and the universe of elevation through the blessings of Mother Nature. Our partners understand the creation of these beautiful kuripes for the true art that is a central part of their production.
From the selection of proper source materials for medicinal rituals, to the creation of designs that incorporate cultural and spiritual aspects, from the hands of these artsists, only the best applicators are offered to our clients.
The Sacred Geometry of Thalles, the artisan
Thalles de Aguiar is one of our partners, a friend and collaborator that adds the mastery of his marquestry works and knowledge of ritualistic customs to Sacred Connection’s assembly.
His hometown was once part of the Brazilian Southeastern region’s pioneer movement of welcoming the expansion of the Santo Daime doctrine, a religion that, even nowadays, is a central point in Thalles’ life. At 13 years of age, he took his first step into the sacred pathways, consecrating Ayahuasca along with friends and, two years later, tried medicinal Rapé for the first time during a break from religious sessions.
Thalles himself describes his experience with this medicine as a “great spiritual journey,” even if, for a moment at the very beginning, he might’ve felt a bit sick. Still, he recollects:
“I wasn’t used to this sort of “strength. Right after the journey, I began to understand the power of the medicine and how it works with the cleaning and steadying of human beings.”
Around the same time he first tried Ayahuasca, Thalles also started to nurture an interest for the crafting of wooden objects, starting with guitars. Ever since the, he’s been practicing his skills, perfecting his techniques, and creating artisanal pieces of quality and functionality equal to the beauty of the designs incorporated.
Articulated Wooden Kuripes
The creative process of the artisan Thalles takes into consideration elements of Nature, of sacred geometry, or spiritual imagery, and of marquestry techniques.
For this collection of Kuripes offered in partnership with Sacred Connection, figures and designs that reflect these inspirations enhance the applicators with the contrast of beautiful colors and the harmony of intricate shapes.
Each design represents a different concept, ranging from the infinite and mighty energy of the cosmos to the figure that represents sacred medicine, the Shaman.
In addition, all models are made from top-notch source materials, such as resistant hardwood that offers high durability, extracted responsibly. The very shape of these tools allows for the articulation of both ends of the Kuripe, which makes for the perfect fitting to any and every user.
For tips on how to use your Kuripe, check out our step-by-step tutorial below!
How to use your Kuripe
- Find a place that is sacred to you, somewhere filled with spirituality and energetic flow and that allows you to focus and expand your intentions.
- Take the time to ground yourself. Think of what you expect to achieve, of what you need guidance for, of what needs healing.
- Measure the desired amount of snuff (a pea-sized amount should be enough for most cases). You may chant any prayers or hymns if you want.
- Scoop the blend into the nose-end of your kuripe applicator, then carefully tap the curved V-peak on a hard surface to eliminate any air pockets or bits of stuck rapé.
- Place the mouth-end into your mouth and carefully position the other end into one nostril. Lean forward and remember to close your eyes.
- Give the pipe a hard blow and take a moment to experience the moment and feel the strength and power of sacred Rapé.
- Try and “hold in” the rapé for a few instants before blowing it out again into the other side.
- Keep in mind that both sides/nostrils should receive this medicine to achieve balance – fear and rejection of part of the ritual might be considered as rejecting the spirit of the Rapé.
- Remember that this ritual is one of cleansing; expel any fluids that may start dripping from your body, as they can be physical manifestations of spiritual issues you need to let go of in order to heal.
Discover other kinds of natural healing
At Sacred Connection we believe in our mission of presenting our clients with bits and lessons of ancestral sacred knowledge shared with us by our partners of native communities across the globe. We believe that the power of Mother Earth should be deeply respected, so it can help us grow and heal in an organic and natural way that’s beneficial to us and to the planet.
All our therapeutic and artisanal products are ethically sourced and handmade, and from the profit of the sales arises the opportunity for several villages to keep their sustainability and local productions going, sometimes even helping in the process of reforestation in some areas.
Join us in exploring the shamanic expertise, the beauty of indigenous handicraft, the elevating healing of the Forest, and the power of uniting our cultures!
