Nukini Jaguar

The Nukini tribe lives in Acre, Brazil and belongs to the Pano language family. The Nukini tribe has over 750 members. Members suffer heavy casualties in the history of the latex industry as more masses are enslaved or massacred by tribal members. Much of their culture, including their language, was later lost or dispersed, almost all ethnic groups have disappeared. However, Nukini managed to survive and mingle with other ethnic groups and tribes. They have rebuilt a strong socio-economic structure that facilitates their close connection with the surrounding and falling nature. Otherwise, unlike the massive strains of the Amazon, Nukini rate the members of other strains per plant knowledge and blame them for collecting and mixing the herb closer to the rapé. In the midst of great resistance to the first Peruvian rubber boom the Nukini of Brazil settled in the region that includes the Jurua’ valley and Serra do Moa.  They were organized initially in small clans:  Inubakevu – People of the Jaguar, Panabakevu – The Acai People. Itsabakevu – People of the Patoa’ and Shanumbakevu – People of the Cobra.  Today the Nukini are in a movement to strengthen their tradition through the valorization of their spirituality, customs, handicrafts and sacred medicines like their high quality Rape’.

The Appropriate Setting for a Rapé Ritual: Because the act of taking rapé is a prayer, the set and setting will impact the experience of your prayer. The best places to take rapé are outside in nature, at the altar during a medicine ceremony, or in a quiet sacred space indoors, with high-vibrational music playing. Avoid taking rapé where you might be interrupted by someone – An ideal setting allows you to fully experience the effect of the rapé without distraction and have the space for quiet contemplation.