http://saritando.wordpress.com/2010/04/24/o-uso-do-rape/Translation:
The use of snuff
24/04/2010 by saritamoura
The snuff for huni kuin (kaxinawás) is a medicine that connects to the power of energy Youshibu (God of Creation). So where should be used with respect, because it is sacred. So no one should never mix alcohol with snuff, and even use it anywhere.
What is done - Snuff is a powder made from combinations of plants, and among them
Tobacco being roasted
especially tobacco. And as in herbal medicine, you have to know which part of each plant will be used, because everything has a purpose. So the person who prepares snuff must have some knowledge of the forest, because the combinations can vary greatly, and it results in a snuff loud or soft. Generally huni of snuff tobacco contains kuin. Tobacco use is the one cultivated in the villages and after harvesting of the leaves, tanning is wrapped in rubber. This tobacco is shredded and led to the fire until dry. Then it is milled and sieved several times to powder. Other plants may vary between pxuri, murici, cocoa bush, cinnamon shaft, and many others, and each has its specific medicine. Can be used the leaves, the bark to ash, and these plants.
Tobacco being crushed
Tobacco being screened
Spending snuff: how to use - The huni kuin use the expression "pass snuff" when they feel comfortable using the medicine. This expression is used because the snuff is blown into the nose of those who want and have to be blown in both nostrils, because they say it is to balance the energy of nature. If you blow into one nostril only, you will be unbalanced with the forest. This can be of two forms: either individually or in pairs. The individual form is when you snuff it blows into his nostrils through "curipa", an instrument made of bamboo, bamboo or bone, the small V-shaped, where on one side you put your good and the other fits you in one nostril. As for the snuff double pass it uses the "typical" also V-shaped and made of bamboo, bamboo or bones, where a blow on the other nostril.
Huni kuin passing snuff
Puffs - There are several blows that can be used at the time to "pass the snuff," among them the breath "Yube" blowing boa constrictor, among others. Thus the breath determines how long you stay in the strength of snuff as a blow strong and long is different from a blow lightweight and fast, and so it goes ....
What is used - Snuff is used for many purposes. The main ones are
Nukini passing snuff in Puyanawa
the ills of the physical body, such as headache, sinusitis, runny nose, even panemas, which are the wounds of the spirit. So when using snuff should be borne in mind that what goes in you are rainforest plants and also healing spirits of the forest. So it's always good to have respect for snuff, so you are also respecting all the energies of the forest. Its use is very common in rituals nixi pae (ayahuasca) where the "snuff pass" the strength of putting nixi father intensifies his spirit more in touch with the forest.
Spiritual relations with the snuff - By using snuff can also sing songs of healing and shamanism, because according to the huni kuin snuff puts us in touch with the spirits of the forest. The combination of plants contained in snuff will determine whether the snuff has powers of healing, concentration, hunting or other beliefs. So can snuff beyond physical healing, charms put our spirit in the forest bringing us power and strength.
My account - My experience with the snuff from the beginning was very positive, very strong. First heard many stories, I met many indigenous shamans and chieftains, and then gradually I became familiar with the use of snuff, because honestly I was wary of what could contain those magic pots ..... But after time went on and trust in people I interacted grew, I realized that if anything happened to me they were going to save me! That is, there would at least leave me here ..... rsrsrsr sick ...... And really had many moments of tightness with snuff, even many, but none of them have been abandoned, always had shamans, leaders and friends with me. In one of the first times I used the snuff learned about breathing. I learned that breathing should be suspended during blowing, or when someone is going to snuff I should not breathe, and after snuff blown I should exhale through the mouth. That was crucial for me to not get sick ..... After I learned not to swallow the residue of snuff yes guspi it. I learned that if my blood pressure to go down snuff and I start to feel sick, I think that the snuff is healing me and teaching me. For in the way of an indigenous snuff comes you never do evil but to snuff when it comes to heal you. So that feeling that you clean the snuff is true because after the snuff our ears amplify our sense of smell and hearing extends the recognition of new odors. In the end I really liked the snuff, much the same ........ Haux, Haux, Haux ........ Viva the forest and its ancient teachings!