Katukina Bobinsana - A Subtle Rapé for Heart and Presence

Katukina Bobinsana is not a tribal Rapé in the traditional sense, but a respectful and intentional blend commissioned by us and produced by a close friend and long-term supplier in Acre, Brazil. All ingredients were gathered through direct contact with Indigenous families. The blend features Arapiraca Corda Tabaco, Tsunu ashes, and powdered leaves of the Bobinsana tree (Calliandra angustifolia). It is light in colour and gentle in sensation—ideal for those seeking to tune in rather than be knocked over.

Where this Rapé shines is in its ability to illuminate the subtle energies of experience. It gently brings one into the immediate moment, particularly when used in natural surroundings or meditative space. The result is a heart-opening, emotionally centering effect—well-suited to those new to Rapé, or to practitioners seeking softer ceremonial tools for dream work, grief, or spiritual clarity.

Energetic and Ceremonial Qualities

This is a blend of sensitivity, not force. It encourages heart-centered awareness, emotional resilience, and gentle spiritual grounding. Bobinsana is widely respected in Amazonian traditions as a plant teacher associated with dreaming, empathy, and internal clarity. In this Rapé, her essence adds a subtle pulse of lightness and calm, balancing beautifully with the stability of Arapiraca and the brightening clarity of Tsunu ash.

The effects are ideal for moments of reflection, ritual preparation, grief support, emotional clarity, or connecting with plant spirits in quietude. This is not a tool for overpowering the mind, but rather for softening its edges.

About the Katukina Tribe

While this blend is not made directly by the Katukina themselves, it is rooted in the ceremonial ecosystem of Acre where Katukina medicine traditions hold deep respect. The Katukina, or Noke Koi, are guardians of powerful sacred plants including Rapé, Kambo, Sananga, and Ayahuasca. Known for their strength in medicine work and their cultural resilience, they have long shared their plant knowledge with the wider world through collaboration and exchange. To read a detailed article on the Katukina tribe, click here.

Bobinsana (Calliandra angustifolia)

Bobinsana is revered throughout the Upper Amazon as a master plant teacher that awakens the heart and deepens connection to dreams, emotion, and spirit. Traditionally, all parts of the tree—especially the bark and leaves—are used as a mild stimulant, known to bring strength, clarity, and openness. Often dieted in isolation, Bobinsana is used for enhancing empathy, connecting to nature, and receiving spiritual guidance through dreams. Its inclusion in Rapé is still rare but growing, offering a gentle, lucid tone that complements subtle ceremonial work. To read a detailed article on the Bobinsana plant, click here.

Tsunu Ash

In this blend, the term Tsunu refers to a generic name used by many Amazonian tribes for ash—not necessarily tied to a single botanical species. While often associated with specific trees in traditional Rapé, Tsunu in this case designates the fine, clean-burning ash used to purify and balance the blend. It offers energetic structure, enhances clarity, and supports the delicate frequency of Bobinsana without adding heaviness. The ash acts as a carrier and amplifier, helping the heart-opening qualities of the blend to land smoothly and clearly. To read a comprehensive article on Tsunu ashes, click here.

Arapiraca Tabaco

Arapiraca is a full-bodied, fermented Brazilian Tabaco grown in the northeast of the country. Known for its grounding strength and deep earthy tones, it provides a strong base that anchors the lighter elements of this blend. Arapiraca’s richness helps hold the experience steady, allowing Bobinsana’s gentle qualities to fully emerge without dissipating. To read a detailed article on the Arapiraca Tabaco, click here.

Natural Variation and Care Notes

This blend is prepared in small quantities using wild-harvested and hand-processed forest ingredients. As such, slight variation in colour, aroma, or texture may occur between batches. Its dry consistency and soft entry make it ideal for gentle or emotionally attuned ceremonies. As with all sacred medicines, use with intention and respect—it is not a recreational blend, but a ceremonial tool crafted in honour of the plant spirits and their teachings.

Customer comment

"...The Bobinsana is an exquisite Rapé. I have been looking for years for a softer type of Rapé that still has a significant effect, and this one really hits the mark with me. The initial sensation is quite sharp, but it quickly subsides and turns into a feeling of warmth and openness that spreads throughout the body. There is also a feel of mystery to the Bobinsana plant. I have not noticed any tendency to purge. It is great for use outdoors, since it does not knock you out, you can still be somewhat alert to your surroundings. If you look for a Rapé that works on a deeper level than just to fire you up as much as possible, this one can be warmly recommended..."

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.

Copyright Notice

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Other names: Calliandra angustifolia

This item is not allowed in the following countries:

Finland