This is a medium grey Rapé with a wonderful light and uplifting aroma.  The name Mafumeira is another name for Samauma or the Kapok tree (Ceiba pentrandra) from which this blend utilises for the ash of its bark.

Samauma is is a tree from the amazon that can get thousands of years old. With a height of 80 to 90 meters and a diameter which can reach 5 to 8 meters, its an unforgettable sight. To hug a grown exemplary of one of these majestic inhabitants of the forest, a circle of around 25 adult persons is needed. Several tribes of the Amazon remember that the each Samauma tree has a big portal under its base which serves as a communication portal to other existing worlds, invisible to the human eye. This portal serves as a bridge from the everyday visible world to the spiritual universe of the Amazon and its protectors. Through this portal the mythological magical beings of the mother forest go in and out.  The ash of Samauma is only made with parts of the bark that peeled off from the tree naturally, which often happens when strong rain occurs. Cutting any of those trees is considered as an act of violence and disrespect towards the spirit of the forest.

Mafumeria Rapé is light yet has a sharpness and penetration that shifts the user into a state of heightened focus. It is ideal to clean out mucus that accumulated in the nose and sinus and connects easily to the energies of nature which this majestic tree brings.  Immediate eye watering is prolific and whilst a little powder may reach the back of the throat the taste is clear and not uncomfortable.  Following the cascade of immediate physical reactions the user will experience focus and a sense of 'awakening' into a new moment, ever present and highly tuned. 

Leo the maker of this Rapè has prepared a well balanced mixture of the Samauma together with Mulateiro to complete this beautiful blend. There is an equilibrium between the effects of the uplifting Samauma which promotes spiritual travels along with the Mulateiro action on the physical body that gives a down to earth energy. This resulting blend fortifies the body and elevates the spirit and really gets your breathing smooth clean and easy, and it also tastes nice, giving the otherwise subtle and light tasting Samauma a powerful touch.

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 a smooth and effective powder at 250-micron fineness—slightly less fine than most of our Rapé. We use laboratory-grade sieves and dehydrating equipment to achieve this quality. This is our standard because it provides the best Rapé experience.

A wonderful and detailed article about the Katukina and our connection with them, can be found here.

Other names: Noke Koi Samauma, Kapok tree, Ceiba, Sumaúma da Várzea

Katukina or Catuquina, Katokina, Katukena, Katukino are generic terms that are attributed to five linguistically distinct but geographically proximate indigenous groups that live in southwestern Brazil at the border of the Amazonas and Acre. The Katukina are a tribe that is very connected to the usage of sacred plants. They consider themselves as the first tribe to receive the Kambo medicine straight from the frog. They still carry a vast knowledge about plants and the spirit of the world. Their Rapé is strong and deep, and it carries the wild and powerful spirit of the jungle.

More on the Katukina.

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.

This item is not allowed in the following countries:

Finland