Yawanawa Nawashahu - Força Feminina, A Rapé of Feminine Strength and Grace

Yawanawa Força Feminina is a rare and sacred Rapé blend crafted by Nawashahu Yawanawa, daughter of Chief Biraci Nixiwaka and the first female shaman of the Yawanawa, Putani. This blend carries a refined balance of strength and softness, channeling the lineage of female spiritual leadership within the tribe. Known for its gentle, nurturing presence, it is equally embraced by both men and women, offering a clear, grounded, and deeply restorative experience.

The name "Força Feminina" translates to Feminine Force, and this Rapé lives up to its title: a medicine that invites presence, receptivity, and emotional spaciousness without compromising on power. Its aroma is subtly floral, and its effects are long-lasting, often leading to an hour or more of thoughtless, meditative stillness.

Ingredients and Their Qualities

Força Feminina follows a classic Yawanawa recipe, using finely powdered Moi Tabaco and sacred Tsunu ashes. The result is a deeply balanced blend with both strength and grace. The initial entry is clear and direct, leading into a gentle unwinding of mental activity and emotional holding patterns. It is a Rapé that encourages inward connection while holding a field of safety and tenderness.

Its feminine tone does not imply mildness—the power of this blend lies in its subtlety. Users often feel as if time dissolves, the senses sharpen, and the body melts into stillness. It is ideal for ceremonial work, integration, and prayerful solitude.

About the Ashes: Tsunu

Tsunu ashes are a central element in many Yawanawa Rapés and are traditionally derived from Pau Pereira (Platycyamus regnellii). Known for their grounding, cleansing, and harmonizing qualities, these ashes help cut through energetic clutter and restore equilibrium. They are frequently used before or during Ayahuasca ceremonies to steady the mind and open the heart.

It is worth noting that "Tsunu" is a broad term in Amazonian traditions and may refer to different tree ashes in different regions. Among the Yawanawa, Tsunu almost always refers to Pau Pereira, a tree whose thick bark and resilient nature mirror the stabilizing power of the ash it produces.

In this blend, Tsunu provides a clear structure and anchoring effect, supporting the Tabaco in opening and integrating the experience. It helps clarify intention and holds the energetic space long after the application. Follow these links for detailed articles about Tsunu Ashes, and specifically Pau Pereira Ashes.

About the Tabaco: Moi

Moi Tabaco, or Fumo de Rolo, is a traditional Brazilian Nicotiana rustica cultivated in the Upper Juruá region. Its distinctive fermentation process yields a dark, aromatic, and slightly sweet medicine, often likened to Chocolate in scent. Organically grown and hand-twisted into thick ropes, Moi is both gentle in flavor and powerful in effect.

In Rapé, Moi offers a steady and expansive base. It balances the sharper edge of ashes like Tsunu with its earthy warmth. The Tabaco in Força Feminina is finely powdered, ensuring smooth absorption and a clean after-feel. It is especially suited for those seeking depth without overwhelm, supporting heart-centered focus and inner quiet.

Moi also serves as the preferred base in several traditional Rapés for its ability to deliver subtle strength without flooding the system. It harmonizes easily with other ashes and is ideal for long-term ceremonial use. The powdered form of Moi used in this blend maintains its full-bodied aroma and gentle energetic profile. It is often favored by those seeking a clean, refined Rapé experience that supports deep breath, mental focus, and presence without overstimulation. You can find a comprehensive article about Tabaco de Moi here.

About Nawashahu Yawanawa

Nawashahu Yawanawa is the eldest daughter of Chief Biraci Nixiwaka and Putani, the first female shaman of the Yawanawa people. Born into a lineage of leadership, Nawashahu has emerged as a cultural bridge, carrying the spiritual work of her parents into new generations. She is not only a Rapé maker but also a ceremonial singer and composer of medicine music.

Her music, often performed with her sister Ykashahu, has reached global audiences and reflects a deep connection to ancestral memory. Together they released Saiti Mawai Shahu, Vol. 2, an album that channels feminine spiritual power through melody. Nawashahu also participates in international gatherings such as the Colibri Spirit Festival, where she shares songs and sacred teachings.

Força Feminina is the first female Rapé officially created within the Yawanawa tradition. It symbolizes a turning point in the tribe’s cultural evolution—one that honors the wisdom of the grandmothers while inviting the new guardians of the sacred to step forward. Nawashahu prepares this blend in the Sacred Village, where her family continues to hold initiation rituals and carry the ancestral fire.

Yawanawa Tribe: Keepers of Sacred Rapé and Shamanic Wisdom

The Yawanawa, or "people of the white-lipped peccary," inhabit the forests along the Gregório River in Acre, Brazil. Their culture is built upon deep spiritual practice, forest stewardship, and a rich cosmology anchored in sacred medicines such as Ayahuasca, Kambo, and Rapé (Rume).

Initiation into Yawanawa shamanism includes years of dieta, prayer, and isolation. Women like Putani and Nawashahu have redefined these paths, bringing feminine presence into roles once held only by men. Today, the tribe remains a beacon of resilience and spiritual revival, offering their wisdom to a world seeking reconnection. A detailed article about the Yawanawa tribe and their traditions can be found here.

Customer feedback

"...This is a very beautiful Rapé. One of the strongest first hits I have experienced. I know this is personal, but it really cuts like a razor. It gives the same strong qualities as the other Tsunu's but there is a subtle difference to look for. We use it in ceremonial ways with groups. When someone has problems in the lower belly or women with female problems in this area, it is a very powerful medicine. We intend to use the more female Rapé's for women to heal the collective and personal wounds, but amazing what it also does for men.  For the men to understand women and to feel the feminine side of themselves and healing wounds in the female ancestor line, working with the grandmothers.  This is one of our top 5 Rapé's at the moment to work with our groups..."

...I feel embraced around and within my body and to be loved for love of being loved. To be shown and reminded of the good and intrinsic qualities that I under look about the self. My heart comes alive to a vibration that my atoms are resonating to unity consciousness. I sing a song-less song from my heart with this love. I feel blessed. I feel love..."

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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Other names: "Força Feminina"

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Finland