Hapé
Hapé (Ha-peh), which is the Portuguese pronunciation, or Rapé (Rah-peh), the Spanish pronunciation for the same thing, is a ceremonial snuff used by indigenous peoples throughout the Amazon for thousands of years.
The base of this snuff is usually Nicotiana Rustica, a type of tobacco also known as Mapacho. It’s different from the tobacco generally used in cigarettes, which is Nicotiana Tabacum.
Hapé also contains any number of other medicinal and sacred plants, including parts from tree bark, leaves, seeds, or roots. There are many different types of Hapé, each being its own unique blend. This blend might be specific to the community/individual crafting it or be crafted to a specific purpose or effect.
Once collected, the components are pulverized with a pestle, and strained through a mesh, resulting in a very fine powder, in an array of earth tones, varying shades of green, gray, red, and brown. The entire process of creation is traditionally imbued with reverence, prayers, and intention.
It is administered intra-nasally, being blow into the nostrils. It is either served by one individual to another, using a specifically crafted pipe called a Tepí, or self served, using a pipe called a Kuripé. The mixture is left inside the nose for a period of time to absorb and take effect. Following the experience its blown back out the nose.
When administered, Hapé initially draws all of ones attention into the sensation of receiving the snuff into the high nostrils/ sinuses. This can feel like the consciousness being pulled into the area of the third eye. Followed by a sense of stillness and clarity of mind. What Jason Fellows calls ‘a shortcut’ into a deeply meditative state. Hapé can be elevated and contemplative experience, while simultaneously being deeply grounding and really bringing a person into their body.
