Handcrafted Peruvian Tepi – Quillabordón & Cumaceba with Chrysocolla & Caapi

A new series of handcrafted Tepis, made by our trusted craftsmen in Peru, following a traditional single-channel design intended for focused and deliberate Rapé administration. These Tepis are carved from a single piece of wood, preserving structural strength, balance, and continuity of grain throughout the tool.

This series features two distinct wood types, clearly visible in tone and character. The lighter-coloured Tepis are crafted from Quillabordón wood, while the darker variant is made from Cumaceba wood. Decorative elements vary subtly between pieces, featuring either a sun motif or a floral design, applied through careful carving and pyrography. Each Tepi is further adorned with a slice of Caapi (Yagé) vine and a small semi-precious stone, most commonly Chrysocolla. Stone colour and placement may vary slightly from the images shown.

With a long arm of approximately 20 cm and a short arm of approximately 8 cm, this Tepi provides a stable grip and controlled airflow. The nostril opening measures approximately 8 mm, allowing for a strong, direct blow when used with steady breath. The proportions are well suited for ceremonial settings where precision and consistency are valued.

Quillabordón Wood

Quillabordón is a South American hardwood appreciated for its light golden colour, fine grain, and balanced density. It is firm enough to hold detailed carving while remaining comfortable and lightweight in use. In traditional craft, woods such as Quillabordón are selected for tools that require both durability and sensitivity, supporting controlled application without excessive weight.

Cumaceba Wood

Cumaceba is a denser Amazonian hardwood, recognised for its deeper reddish-brown tone and solid, grounded feel. It is valued in traditional woodworking for its strength and durability, making it well suited for tools that are handled frequently. A Tepi made from Cumaceba carries a more substantial presence in the hand, offering stability and firmness during use while still allowing for refined detailing and smooth finishing.

Each Tepi in this series reflects the individual hand of the artisan. Variations in wood tone, grain pattern, carving depth, pyrography, Caapi vine texture, and stone selection are natural and intentional, forming part of the character of a handmade ceremonial tool.

This is a handmade product and may differ slightly from the images shown.

To read a comprehensive article about Kuripe and Tepi, click here.

Other names: Tepi, blowpipe, applicator for Rapé.