Yawanawa Ceremony Rapé with Tsunu and Jurema

The Yawanawa Ceremony Rapé is a unique blend that draws from the rich spiritual and healing traditions of both the Yawanawa and Fulni-ô tribes. This Rapé combines Tsunu ashes, a cornerstone of Yawanawa Rapé tradition, with the ashes of Jurema (Mimosa hostilis), a sacred tree revered by the Fulni-ô tribe. Together, these elements create a powerful blend known for its grounding, uplifting, and visionary effects, offering users a profound connection to nature, spirit, and self.

Though Jurema is traditionally associated with psychoactive properties, it's important to note that Jurema ashes do not contain controlled substances in their burnt form. As such, this Rapé is not legally restricted and offers a subtle, energetic effect rather than an overtly visionary experience.

The Yawanawa People and the Tsunu Tradition

The Yawanawa tribe is one of the most renowned indigenous groups from the Acre state of Brazil, known for their deep connection to the spiritual realms and their use of sacred medicines like Rapé. They refer to themselves as the "people of the wild boar" and have a long history of using sacred plants, including Rapé, to connect with the spirit world, perform healing rituals, and cultivate inner strength. To read the full article about the Yawanawa tribe, click here.

Traditionally, the Yawanawa incorporate Rapé into their ceremonies as a tool to cleanse the mind, balance energies, and align with the universal flow of life. Tsunu ash (Platycyamus regnellii) is one of the most sacred components in their Rapé, known for its clarifying, calming, and healing properties. It is highly valued for grounding the user and creating a space of spiritual clarity. To read a comprehensive article about Tsunu ashes, click here.

The Fulni-ô Tribe and the Wisdom of Jurema

The Fulni-ô tribe, from Pernambuco in northeastern Brazil, hold a central place as guardians of Jurema medicine. Though they traditionally did not use Rapé, they have more recently embraced it, bringing their sacred knowledge of Jurema (Mimosa hostilis) into the practice. Jurema has long been central to their spiritual rituals, used for inducing visions, lucid dreaming, and deep spiritual journeys.

The use of Jurema ashes in Rapé is relatively new but remains true to its original intent—to open spiritual pathways and deepen the connection to ancestral energies. In the Fulni-ô tradition, Jurema is part of a larger visionary practice and is considered a sacred ally for accessing higher dimensions of consciousness. To read the full article about the Fulni-ô Tribe, click here.

Effects and Experience

This Rapé is known for its balance of grounding and visionary effects. Tsunu provides a strong, calming foundation, while the Jurema component brings an expansive, luminous quality to the experience. Users often describe sensations of lightness and warmth, with a clear activation of the light body and energetic awareness. Some report an almost out-of-body or dreamlike state, making it suitable for meditation, ceremonial work, or reflection.

The initial effect is moderately sharp and tends to stimulate the sinuses, often causing the release of fluids. This is considered part of the cleansing process, helping to expel redundant energies and open the energetic pathways. Unlike sharper blends, this Rapé does not cause a sudden jolt but instead unfolds gently in waves. The warmth it produces is not harsh but glows like embers, resonating throughout the body with a lasting, soothing effect. The sandy-brown powder is superfine and easy to apply, with a soft intensity that builds gradually and invites deep introspection.

Preparation and Intention

This blend is prepared by a neo-shamanic practitioner who collaborates with both the Yawanawa and Fulni-ô communities. The Jurema ashes are gifted by Fulni-ô elders, and the Tsunu is sourced from Yawanawa territory. The Tabaco comes from the northeast and is part of the Fulni-ô's traditional preparation.

This unique blend was developed by a neo-shamanic practitioner who acts as a bridge between the Yawanawa and Fulni-ô tribes. Having received the Jurema ashes from Fulni-ô tribe members and Tsunu from the Yawanawa, the producer carefully blends these sacred ingredients to create a Rapé that honors both traditions. His goal is to bring together the wisdom of different tribes to create new paths for healing and spiritual exploration.

The process of making the ashes is itself ceremonial—the plant's essence is released through fire, believed to transfer its spirit into the ashes. This sacred act is performed with reverence, ensuring the blend retains both energetic integrity and cultural respect.

A Cultural Fusion of Purpose and Prayer

This Rapé is more than a product—it's a respectful fusion of two sacred traditions. The grounding strength of Yawanawa Tsunu meets the visionary insight of Fulni-ô Jurema to offer a holistic experience that cleanses, centers, and expands. It is a medicine for those seeking a deeper path, honoring ancestral knowledge while bridging new ceremonial landscapes.

Setting the Standard for Ultra Fine Rapé

We take great care to reprocess all received stock to ensure the finest quality powder. Often, Rapé arrives with varying levels of fineness due to the lack of professional sieves used by the tribe. To address this, we meticulously sieve all powders to remove rough bits and particles, resulting in an exceptionally smooth and effective powder at 150-micron fineness. We use laboratory-grade sieves and dehydrating equipment to achieve this quality. This is our standard because it provides the best Rapé experience.

Disclaimer

The information provided above is for historical, educational, and scientific purposes only. It should not be interpreted as a recommendation for the specific use of our products. Any statements about traditional uses are informational. The use and application of our products are the customer's decision and responsibility.

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Customer feedback

"...Ceremony Rapé is a very nice Rapé. With each time I use it, it gives me a different experience. It makes me very meditative with a good grounding, but also sometimes very active in the head and crown chakra. It centers me very fast and allowing a very strong flow of pure energie to stream. Watering eyes and at times very intense in its working, and at other times very gentle, depending on my own state of mind at the time..."

"...The Ceremony Rapé is beautiful and flows with a hint of coconut. Warm and grounding, in fact a perfect start to a tea gathering..."

Other names: Yawanawa Tsunu Ceremony, Tsunu Jurema

Leonel: A Bridge Between Indigenous Traditions and Modern Practices

Leonel, now in his mid-twenties, is a skilled craftsman, father of two, and a recent pharmacology graduate, who has dedicated his life to spiritual practices, indigenous knowledge, and the art of creating traditional medicines. His journey into this world began at the age of 15, when he developed a growing interest in the spiritual traditions of Brazil and its native roots.

In 2011, Leonel was introduced to an important spiritual practice involving sacred plants for the first time. This experience sparked a profound curiosity in the rituals and medicinal plants used by Brazil’s indigenous communities. Throughout 2012, he participated in several ceremonies, where he cultivated a deeper connection to plant-based healing and joined a study group to learn more about traditional songs and rituals, further immersing himself in these ancient traditions.

Later in 2012, during a trip to the stunning Chapada dos Veadeiros, Leonel’s connection with another powerful sacred plant medicine began to deepen. By early 2013, he felt a strong calling to dedicate himself fully to this practice and to explore its healing properties. His growing interest led him to the Fulni-ô tribe from Pernambuco, known for their wisdom in certain plant-based treatments. During a gathering at his study group, Fulni-ô visitors joined the circle, and Leonel felt an instant connection to their culture and knowledge. This marked the beginning of a long-lasting friendship and collaboration.

Later that same year, Leonel had a chance meeting with a well-known producer of sacred medicines and therapist, who was highly respected for his work with healing practices. The two immediately felt a connection, and within a few months, Leonel began an apprenticeship under him, learning the art of traditional medicine preparation. Through this apprenticeship, Leonel mastered ancient recipes passed down from various indigenous communities, and he had the opportunity to assist during ceremonies, deepening his knowledge.

By 2014, after a ceremonial event where members of the Fulni-ô tribe participated, Leonel envisioned creating a closer partnership with the tribe, facilitating cultural exchanges and helping them share their traditional plant-based medicines in wider contexts, including urban areas. He invited members of the tribe to São Paulo, where they could share their traditional knowledge, sell their crafts, and raise awareness about their culture. This partnership created a platform for indigenous tribes to share their knowledge and art, and also allowed Leonel to expand his own understanding of native medicines.

Through his travels and work, Leonel developed close relationships with several other indigenous groups, including the Huni Kuin, Yawanawa, Kariri-Xoco, Katukina, Guarani, Pataxó, and the Huichol people from Mexico. These relationships have been instrumental in deepening his knowledge of traditional medicine preparation and the spiritual significance of each plant and ash used in its making.

Mastering the Art of Traditional Medicine

Today, Leonel is a highly skilled medicine producer, known for his artisanal approach to crafting these sacred blends. He adheres strictly to traditional methods, preparing each batch of medicine by hand with a pilão (wooden mortar and pestle), while singing to the blend. His commitment to the ancestral ways of medicine-making honors the deep spiritual traditions he has learned from the various indigenous tribes.

Despite his respect for tradition, Leonel is open to new combinations and creative blends, always exploring new ways to enhance the healing properties of his medicines. He exclusively uses high-quality ingredients from native sources, ensuring that his products remain authentic to their indigenous origins.

Building a Bridge Between Cultures

Leonel’s mission goes beyond making traditional medicines; his work serves as a cultural bridge, connecting indigenous knowledge with the modern world. He is passionate about opening access to traditional remedies and native crafts not only in Brazil but also internationally. His deep respect for indigenous cultures fuels his desire to facilitate the exchange of ideas and knowledge between native communities and those seeking healing through nature’s wisdom.

His pharmacology studies have focused on ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology, and natural medicine, where he has researched the potential of plants, particularly for treating common health conditions. He is also exploring the development of natural products, such as cosmetics and other plant-based solutions, blending his academic knowledge with the traditional wisdom he has gained through his spiritual and cultural journeys.

A Legacy of Healing

Leonel continues to craft traditional medicines in the same way his ancestors did, ensuring that the essence of the plants remains intact. He views his work as part of a broader effort to preserve indigenous knowledge, while also ensuring that quality remedies are available to those who seek them. His role as a student of plant medicine has led him on a journey of learning and exchange, bringing him in contact with multiple tribes and creating lasting bonds of friendship and collaboration.

Through his dedication to spiritual traditions, his commitment to cultural exchange, and his pharmacological expertise, Leonel has become a respected figure in the world of traditional plant medicine. His work stands as a testament to the power of cross-cultural connections and the enduring wisdom of Brazil’s indigenous tribes.

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