Yawanawa Rapé – Força Feminina – Feminine Force

Yawanawá Força Feminina Rapé – The Sacred Force of the Yawanawá Women

Força Feminina, or Feminine Force, is a powerful and deeply meaningful Rapé blend prepared by Nawashahu Yawanawá, the daughter of Chief Biraci Nixiwaka (also known as Biraci Brasil), one of the most respected spiritual leaders of the Yawanawá people. This sacred snuff represents not only the traditional strength of the Yawanawá but also a profound shift in their spiritual history—where, for the first time, women were recognized and empowered to walk the path of medicine.

The Rise of Feminine Wisdom in Yawanawá Tradition

Traditionally, medicine work within the Yawanawá community was a male domain, with the sacred dietas, chants, and ceremonies reserved only for initiated men. That changed with Putani Yawanawá, wife of Chief Biraci. Alongside her sisters, she was the first woman in her people’s recent history to undergo the demanding one-year initiation diet, reclaiming the spiritual rights of Yawanawá women and laying the foundation for a new generation of female leaders.

Their daughter, Nawashahu, now carries that torch. She is a spiritual leader, ceremonial singer, and Força Feminina Rapé maker who combines the ancient traditions of her people with a feminine touch rooted in courage, clarity, and grace. Her chants—received during her spiritual dietas—are sung in both Portuguese and the Yawanawá language, and she travels internationally, holding ceremonies and sharing the strength of her lineage with people from all walks of life.

From Aldeia Sagrada to the World

When Nawashahu is not traveling, she lives in Aldeia Sagrada (Sacred Village), the last Yawanawá village upriver, located deep in the Upper Jurua region of the Brazilian Amazon. This is the spiritual center of the tribe—where the first contact with outsiders was made, where initiations continue to take place, and where the sacred sanctuary of their ancestors remains protected and alive.

This is where Força Feminina Rapé is made—by hand, in prayer, with tobacco and Tsunu ashes gathered and prepared according to Yawanawá custom.

Our Partnership with Nawashahu

Our journey with Nawashahu began many years ago when Chief Biraci suggested we try the medicine made by his daughters. This was the first female-crafted Rapé we received from the forest, and we immediately felt its strength and distinction. In honor of its origins, and to highlight the sacred rebalancing taking place among the tribes, we named it Força Feminina.

The blend follows the classic Yawanawá recipe: strong, organic jungle tobacco (Nicotiana rustica) and Tsunu ash, a traditional and highly revered ingredient known for its cleansing and grounding properties.

A Powerful, Balanced Medicine

Força Feminina is not a light Rapé. It is strong, grounding, and filled with clarity. It invites deep connection, emotional release, and a sense of calm power. While crafted by a woman, this medicine is not only for women—it speaks to all who seek balance between strength and sensitivity, firmness and compassion.

It is a favorite among our team and our community—respected not only for its effect but for the story and spirit it carries.

Haux Haux.

More about Rapé…

Use with respect and care; it is a tobacco product and can be habit forming!