Rapéh

What is Rapéh?

Rapéh, also known as rapé or hapéh and pronounced "huh-PAY," is a sacred snuff made from various sacred plant materials and healing herbs. Indigenous communities in South America have used it for spiritual, medicinal, and therapeutic purposes since time immemorial. In recent years there has been a growing interest in rapéh and its potential health benefits, and it has become increasingly popular among those seeking alternative and traditional healing methods.

Despite its growing popularity, there is still much that people need to know about the sanctified snuff, including its traditional uses, its effects on the mind and body, and its potential therapeutic applications.

Whether you are a practitioner of traditional medicine, a spiritual seeker, or simply curious about alternative healing methods, innerstanding the things you need to know about rapéh can help you make informed decisions about its use and potential benefits.

How is rapéh made?

Rapéh is made by grinding various plants, herbs, and other natural substances into a fine powder, which is then blown or snuffed through a tepi, or a kuripe into the nostrils.

The ingredients used to make rapéh can vary depending on the specific tribe or community that is making it, as well as the intended purpose of the sacred snuff. However, some of the most common ingredients include tobacco, tree barks, ashes, and medicinal plants such as mint, cinnamon, and eucalyptus.

The process of making sacred snuff is a careful and labor-intensive one. First, the plants and herbs are gathered and dried in the sun, and then ground into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a special grinder. The tobacco used is typically cured and fermented to enhance its flavor and potency.

Once the ingredients have been ground into a fine powder, they are mixed together in precise proportions to create the desired blend. In some cases, the mixture may be further processed by adding water or other liquids to create a paste that is easier to administer.

The finished rapéh mixture is typically stored in small containers, such as gourds or snuff bottles, until it is ready to be used. When it is time to use the snuff, a small amount of the powder is placed into the tepi or kuripe, and then blown or snuffed into the nostrils.

The history and cultural significance of rapéh in Indigenous South American societies

The use of rapéh has deep roots in Indigenous cultures, particularly among the Amazonian tribes of Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. The Indigenous peoples believe that hape or hapi has powerful spiritual and medicinal properties that help them to connect with the divine, to heal illnesses, and to enhance their physical and mental capacities.

The history of this powerful snuff can be traced back to pre-Columbian times, when Indigenous communities used various plants and herbs for medicinal and spiritual purposes. However, the use of it in its current form emerged during the colonial period, when European colonizers introduced tobacco to South America. The Indigenous peoples began to mix tobacco with other plants to create rapéh, which became a key element in their cultural and spiritual practices.

Rapéh is used for a variety of purposes, including spiritual cleansing, grounding, and centering. The Indigenous peoples believe that the powerful effects can help to clear negative energy, release emotional blockages, and promote a sense of clarity and focus. It is also used in traditional medicine for a range of physical ailments, such as headaches, respiratory problems, and digestive issues.

The use of sacred snuff is deeply intertwined with the spiritual beliefs and practices of the Indigenous communities. They believe that the plants and herbs used in this snuff have their own spirits, which can communicate with human beings and provide guidance and healing. In many cases, its use is part of a larger ceremony or ritual, which may involve chanting, music, and other forms of prayer.

In addition to its spiritual and medicinal uses, it is also a social and cultural practice. It is often shared among members of a community or tribe, and the act of blowing or snuffing rapéh for someone else is considered a sign of respect and solidarity. Its usage is also an important aspect of cultural identity for Indigenous communities, as it is seen as a way of preserving their traditional knowledge and practices in the face of ongoing cultural and environmental threats.

The effects of rapéh on the mind and body, including its use in shamanic practices

One of the most common effects of rapéh is a feeling of heightened awareness and clarity. Many people report feeling more focused and alert after using it, which can be helpful for activities such as meditation, studying, or creative work. It is also associated with a sense of calm and relaxation, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety.

The use of rapéh is deeply intertwined with shamanic practices and spiritual beliefs in Indigenous communities. Many Indigenous cultures believe that the plants and herbs used in it have their own spirits, which can communicate with human beings and provide guidance and healing. Its use is often part of a larger ceremony or ritual, which may involve chanting, music, and other forms of prayer.

In shamanic practices, it is often used as a tool for spiritual cleansing and grounding. It is believed to help clear negative energy, release emotional blockages, and promote a sense of clarity and focus. It can also help to facilitate a deeper connection with the divine, and to access higher states of consciousness.

In addition to its spiritual effects, it is also used in traditional medicine for a range of physical ailments, such as headaches, respiratory problems, and digestive issues. Some of the plants and herbs used in rapéh have powerful medicinal properties that can help to alleviate symptoms and promote healing.

The different types of rapéh and their unique characteristics and effects

There are many different types of this sacred snuff, each with its unique characteristics and effects. Here are some of the most popular types of rapéh and what sets them apart.

1. Nunu, also known as Yopo, is a powerful rapéh that is made from the seeds of the Anadenanthera peregrina tree. It contains a high concentration of 5-MeO-DMT, a potent psychoactive compound that can induce intense visionary experiences. Nunu is often used in shamanic rituals and is believed to help facilitate a connection with the divine.

2. Tsunu is made from the bark of the Tsunu tree. It is often used in healing ceremonies and is believed to have a grounding and calming effect on the mind and body. Tsunu is also used to help clear negative energy and promote emotional healing.

3. Kaxinawa is a type that is made by the Kaxinawa people of Brazil. It is made from a blend of tobacco and various medicinal plants and is believed to have a powerful cleansing effect on the mind and body. Kaxinawa is often used in shamanic rituals and is believed to help facilitate a connection with the spirits.

4. Apurina is made by the Apurina people of Brazil. It is made from a blend of tobacco and various medicinal plants and is believed to have a calming and grounding effect on the mind and body. Apurina is often used in shamanic rituals and is believed to help facilitate healing and spiritual growth.

5. Yawanawa is made by the Yawanawa people of Brazil. It is made from a blend of tobacco and various medicinal plants and is believed to have a purifying and cleansing effect on the mind and body. Yawanawa is often used in shamanic rituals and is believed to help facilitate a connection with the spirits.

6. Nukini is made by the Nukini people of Brazil. It is made from a blend of tobacco and various medicinal plants and is believed to have a powerful cleansing effect on the mind and body. Nukini is often used in shamanic rituals and is believed to help facilitate healing and spiritual growth.

The Kuripe

What is a Kuripe?

Kuripe tobacco pipes are most commonly used for the self-administration of Rapéh tobacco, a type of dry shamanic snuff powder with calming and psychotropic properties. From ceremonial Rapéh to recreational usage, Kuripe pipes are convenient, pocket-sized self-applicator pipes often hand-made from wood or bone.

What is a Kuripe used for?

A Kuripe is a small handheld powder tobacco pipe occasionally attached to a string and worn around the neck. Designed to make Rapéh application as clean and mess-free as possible, the tool originated from South American native tribes, giving birth to a unique and decorative handcrafted style, highly desired by a growing western market.

The Different Types of Kuripes

With various shapes, sizes, and materials available on the market, Rapéh users will likely be spoiled for choice when picking out the perfect pipe.

There are many different types of Kuripe pipes, the most common being hollow V-shaped pipes. With an angle of between 45-50 degrees to ensure a comfortable fit for the nose end of the pipe to the pipe's mouthpiece.

There are also more rarely found Double-Nosed Kuripe, which has not one, but two exit pipes, snugly fitting each of the user's nostrils. There are even "2-in-1" pipes with dual Kuripe or Tepi functionality, allowing the user to either self-administer Rapéh themselves or apply to another person without needing to carry two separate application tools.

How Are Kuripes Made?

Kuripe pipes are small and V-shaped, typically made out of bamboo, hollowed-out wood, animal bone or horn.

With only two single cuts a piece of Bamboo can easily be fashioned together to create the V-shaped tobacco applicator. Thanks to its affordability, abundance, and ease of handling, bamboo is one of the most popular materials for making a Kuripe. For Rapéh connaisseurs and enthusiasts alike, bespoke and customised Kuripe pipes can be hand-carved with exquisite craftsmanship from ivory bone for a more premium Rapéh application experience.

Rapéh is commonly discovered when users attend power medicine ceremonies, the snuff is used to 'ground' and calm nervous or apprehensive users before beginning the event. It is traditionally believed within shamanic cultures that the use of animal bone or horn material gives the user an intangible yet energetic benefit, protecting them with the sacred spirit of the animal.

Many Rapéh novices and those new to the powder tobacco, begin self-applying the shamanic snuff as part of a daily spiritual practice often before yoga or a meditation ritual. A simple bamboo Kuripe makes a popular first choice for Rapéh newbies, however, it's widely accepted that users form a deep relationship with the sacred tobacco through their daily practices and will eventually seek a bone or handcrafted Kuripe upgrade for their home tobacco toolkit.

How to Use a Kuripe Self-Applicator

At first glance, the handheld Kuripe may appear confusing with how to use it, many amusingly mistaking the 'blow' end for the 'nostril' end of the pipe. However, the Rapéh self-application process can be a simple and enjoyable experience when broken down into a step-by-step method used by many Rapéh enthusiasts.

Step 1: Setting Intention

Allow time for relaxation and preparation. Simply focussing on the breath or repeating an internal mantra are effective ways to calm and centre the mind. One should take a moment to silence mental chatter or racing thoughts and focus on what they would like to get out of the experience.

Step 2: Measuring Rapéh Dosage

After mental preparations are complete, pour a small amount (no more than 0.25 grams for beginners) of the dry powdered tobacco into the palm or a folded piece of card and flatten any larger clumps of Rapéh with the long flat side of the Kuripe. Next, scoop half of the Rapéh into the nose end of the pipe and gently tap it with a finger to settle the powder into the Kuripe's V-shaped elbow.

Step 3: Application

Traditionally people apply the first application of Rapéh into the left nostril believed to symbolise the death of negative energies. The second 'hit' of Rapéh is shortly followed by an application into the right nostril believed to represent a rebirth of positive change.

With the Kuripe primed with Rapéh, one should inhale a deep breath and hold it while placing the correct ends of the pipe comfortably into the left nostril and between lips. With eyes closed slowly and gently exhale the breath, blowing the Rapéh through the hollow V-shaped elbow into the nasal canal. When blown delicately, users report a pleasurable relaxing sensation with a mild and short-lived peppery burning.

Once ready, repeat the steps above one should and apply the Rapéh to the right-hand nostril. As Rapéh is a tobacco-based product it is also advised to use small amounts to begin with, as larger amounts or 'flood doses' can trigger unpleasant feelings of nausea that can last for up to an hour.

Over time many Rapéh users become more confident learning their personal tobacco tolerance level. However, a word of caution advises users that shamanic snuff powder (as with all tobacco products) can cause dependence if habitually used over extended periods.

How to clean a Kuripe Self-Applicator Pipe?

Are your customers raving about you on social media? Share their great stories to help turn potential customers into loyal ones.

With frequent Rapéh usage, many users may find a slow build-up of toughening Rapéh on the inside of the pipe barrels if not regularly cleaned. This build-up of tobacco can also create an unsanitary environment for bacteria to breed when combined with air moisture, therefore, maintaining a regular cleaning protocol of one's applicator pipe is highly recommended. The good news is cleaning Kuripes is simple and no special tools or equipment.

External Cleaning:

After each use, the product can be wiped down externally with baby wipes or damp tissue paper. This will maintain a hygienic appearance and prevent unsightly tarry build-up around the nasal end of the pipe.

Internal Cleaning:

Depending on the Kuripe's material, a few cleaning options are available. Using simple 'over the counter' cotton buds, moisten the tip with water and thoroughly polish the inside of the pipe barrel, carefully removing any dark tobacco debris. This method is highly effective alone, however, those desiring a deeper clean can rinse it with soapy water and be sure to allow the Kuripe it dry to room temperature to prevent any wood or material shrinkage.

The Tepi

What is a Tepi pipe?

The Kuripe pipe is by far the most popular applicator available on the market, with many online stores stocking wide varieties of designs and styles. But for those wanting to experience the most traditional way of receiving Rapéh, the Tepi pipe is the shamanic tool of choice with its deep cultural roots in South American ceremonial rituals.

A Tepi pipe, unlike a Kuripe, is a long narrow horn-shaped applicator, traditionally used by the shamanic tribe leader who would administer sacred doses of Rapéh to ceremony participants.

What is a Tepi made from?

Tepis are hand made from numerous materials, including bamboo (an affordable and lightweight option for beginners), bone, wood or even stone (a weighty and higher quality alternative for more experienced shamanic practitioners). Tepis vary in length, ranging anywhere from a few inches to an impressive two feet in length. However, the Tepi must be long enough for the shaman to be able to carefully administer the Rapéh dosage from a comfortable distance.

The Tepi vs. Kuripe

Those curious about trying Rapéh for the first time are likely scratching their heads wondering what the best product is for a humble beginner. The choice ultimately depends on the preferences of the user - and there are a few considerations to think about.

How does one plan on applying Rapéh? If self-administering the sacred snuff without the aid of others is desired, then a small handheld Kuripe pipe would be the most suited choice. Kuripes are specifically designed to allow the user to conveniently personalise their dosage of Rapéh. Typically Kuripe are easily obtainable online with affordable shipping costs due to their small size and parcel lightweights.

Tepis, on the other hand, are designed for those wanting to experience Rapéh within a communal group or more intimate and traditional setting, as in shamanism. Although the Tepi is a more impressive instrument they can be a more costly investment and incur higher shipping costs due to their increased package size and weight.

With an abundance of variety and choices available from online retailers, customers are spoiled for choice when shopping for Rapéh application tools. Kuripe pipes can be best suited for anyone wanting to try to experience ceremonial Rapéh snuff privately by themselves. A Tepi will be a better solution for more experienced Rapéh users or shamanic practitioners holding ceremonial events. As subjective as one's taste in food or choice of fashion there is no right or wrong option when it comes to choosing a Rapéh pipe, the correct tool for the trade will become obvious once one has decided on the desired end usage of the powdered snuff. From curious beginners to Rapéh veterans an abundance of choice is up for grabs so ultimately one's final decision will come down to personal taste, preference and budget.