The kuripe and tepi are traditional tools used by Amazonian indigenous peoples for administering rapé — the ceremonial powder made from Amazonian tobacco (Nicotiana rustica) and plant ashes. Each piece available in Edabea's catalog is handcrafted by members of the Kuntanawa people, an indigenous community in Acre state (Brazil) known for their knowledge of medicinal plants and ceremonial traditions.
Although both instruments serve the same function — administering rapé nasally through blowing — they differ in shape and use:
The kuripe is a V-shaped tube with two ends: one is inserted into a nasal cavity, and the other into the user's mouth, allowing them to blow the rapé powder into their own nostril. This facilitates self-administration without the need for another person.
The tepi is a straight, longer tube: one end is placed in the receiver's nasal cavity, while the other end is used by a second person to blow the rapé. It is the tool typically used in collective ceremonial contexts where the administrator of rapé is the healer or guide of the ceremony.
The pieces in Edabea's catalog are crafted by artisans from the Kuntanawa people, following techniques handed down through generations. The materials used include animal bones, bamboo, Amazonian wood, and natural decorative elements typical of Acre craftsmanship. Each piece is unique — no two kuripes or tepis are identical — which distinguishes them from industrial reproductions on the market.
By acquiring these pieces, you directly contribute to the economy of the Kuntanawa communities that make them.
After each use, the kuripe and tepi should be cleaned to avoid the accumulation of rapé residues inside the tube. The most common method is to blow clean air through the tube to expel any remnants, and if necessary, use a fine thread or stick to clean the interior. It’s not recommended to clean with water if the instrument contains wooden or bone elements that may deteriorate with moisture.
The kuripe and tepi are used exclusively with rapé. In Edabea's catalog, you will find a selection of rapé blends from various Amazonian traditions. For the ethnobotanical context of these tools, you can also check out the category of kanna (Sceletium tortuosum), another plant used ceremonially that is present in the catalog.
The kuripe is a V-shaped tube for self-administration — the user blows the rapé into their own nostril. The tepi is a longer straight tube that requires a second person to blow the rapé to the receiver. In Amazonian ceremonial contexts, the tepi is typically used by the healer or guide; the kuripe is used by those wishing to self-administer rapé.
The pieces available in Edabea's catalog are handcrafted by members of the Kuntanawa people, an indigenous community in Acre state (Brazil). Each piece is unique and made from natural materials — bone, bamboo, Amazonian wood — following traditional artisanal techniques.
After each use, blow clean air through the tube to expel any residual rapé. For a deeper clean, use a fine thread or stick to clean the interior. Avoid prolonged contact with water in pieces containing wooden or bone elements, as moisture can deteriorate the material.
The kuripe and tepi are compatible with any variety of rapé — from the Pure Mapacho Rapé to blends with plants like Caapi Rapé or Guarumo Rapé. The choice of instrument depends on the context of use — self-administration (kuripe) or administration by another (tepi) — not on the type of rapé.
Selection curated by the Edabea Natura team. Kuntanawa Indigenous Craftsmanship. Last updated: April 2026.
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