BEADED DESIGN. DEER BONE WITH AYAHUASCA VINE. MADE BY THE SHAPIBO TRIBE. HANDMADE – DESIGNS WILL HAVE SLIGHT VARIATIONS.
 
Traditionally, Rapé is administered with two different types of pipes, which are made from bamboo or bone. The first type of pipe requires the presence of another person or “administrator” who will blow the snuff powerfully into each nostril of the receiver. For that reason it is generally referred to as the blow pipe and in Brazilian it is called the “Tepi“. The other type of pipe is a self-applicator and is named “Kuripe“. The connection between mouth and nose is easily established through the V-shape of the pipe.
 
Blowing the Tepi involves an intimate connection between the Rapé giver and receiver. Both are closely connected by mouth, nose and by breath, and both need to open and allow the other spirit and intention to enter, permitting the healing to take place. Often the person blowing needs to be an experienced tribe member, as he sends his intention and spirit to the person inhaling, which affords a strong mind and clear focus. Hence, the essence of this blowing ritual does not depend on the strength of your blowing, but whether you can share yourself while doing it and thereby empowering the receiver. It is important to receive Rapé only from someone that you trust, so that you can be assured their intentions are for healing and not manipulation. These ‘blowing rituals’ are of great importance in the shamanic tradition, which perceives the healing energy of breath as a major tool for healing.
 
If you are an inexperienced Rapé user, it is easier to receive your first experience with the use of the Tepi, and an experienced user as the giver. The first blow should quickly be followed by the second blow in the other nostril. This can be challenging for an inexperienced user, given that the first blow can be somewhat jarring. It is important to receive both nostrils as soon as possible. Still, if you are using the Kuripe, it is important to continue with the second blow as soon as possible, to harmonize the energies of both nostrils and hemispheres.