Chief Nixiwaca's personal Yawanawá blend, crafted with Mapacho and Tsunu ash. From Make It Sacred.
Size
Available for collection in Cape Town
Usually ready for pickup in 24 hours from our Noordhoek shop.
Rappé - YAWANAWA - Nixiwaca Cacique
£14.00
Rappé - YAWANAWA - Nixiwaca Cacique
£14.00
Size
Rappé
Nicotiana rustica
Grounding · Clearing
Rappé is a finely prepared ceremonial tobacco snuff traditionally used in Amazonian and Indigenous ritual contexts for grounding, clearing, and focused presence.
Rappé is a finely prepared ceremonial tobacco snuff traditionally used in Amazonian and Indigenous ritual contexts for grounding, clearing, and focused presence.
Meditation & Spirit
Supports ritual focus, grounding, and intentional clearing when used respectfully.
Stress & Anxiety
Can help mark a pause and return attention to the body within a grounded ritual container.
A ritual tobacco preparation approached with respect, intention, and care.
Often carried as a ceremonial support for meditation, breathwork, grounding practices, and intentional clearing rather than casual tobacco use.
“Rappé belongs to living Indigenous ceremonial lineages; sourcing, context, and respectful use matter.”
Ceremonial Tobacco, Snuff, Applicator Tools
Contains tobacco and nicotine. Avoid during pregnancy, with heart or blood pressure concerns, nicotine sensitivity, or where tobacco use is not appropriate. Use sparingly and respectfully.
Traditionally administered in very small amounts with a kuripe or tepi applicator.
Description
The chief’s blend! In Brazil an indigenous chief is called a “cacique”. This Rappé comes from the private stash of Chief Birací Brasil—known by his Yawanawá name, Nixiwaca.
Chief Birací, or Nixiwaca Cacique, was part of the first wave of Indigenous leaders to revive ancestral traditions. He was the first of his generation to undergo a traditional initiation dieta, restoring the ancient wisdom of his people. He studied with the last of the old medicine men and helped bring them back into honour.
This is a very special snuff, crafted with three types of Mapacho: Mói, which is famous in the region; extra-strong corda (or rope); and the potent, aromatic Sabiá. True to Yawanawá tradition, no Rappé is complete without Tsunu ash, which is also used in this blend. Made with great care and prayer by a Chief and traditional healer, this is his personal blend—one he himself uses.
It was Birací who started the walk back to the roots of his people after losing almost everything at the hands of rubber barons, the introduction of alcohol, and evangelical pastors. He was the first in a long time to go on an initiation dieta, which reconnected him with his ancestors. One of the forgotten medicines he helped revive in the community was Rumã—known to us as Rappé. He is, without doubt, one of the individuals responsible for you being able to consecrate this indigenous medicine today.
When he assumed leadership of his people, he instigated the expulsion of colonial influences—evangelists and alcohol—and relocated his people from the lands where they had been enslaved. They founded Nova Esperança (New Hope), and later moved even deeper into their ancestral lands along the Gregório River, where they established Aldeia Sagrada (Sacred Village).
In the late 1980s and early 90s, the Indigenous resistance movement in Brazil emerged. Led by visionary youth across many tribes, this movement called the world’s attention to the Indigenous cause. Birací was among its earliest voices. Today, he devotes himself entirely to the spiritual growth of his people. This is his personal Rappé, and we are honoured to share it. It is named in his honour. He always asks where his Rappé is going, as its sales directly support his community.
Suggested Use
Use in a quiet, grounded setting with respect for the tradition. Begin with a very small amount, especially if you are new or sensitive to tobacco. Sit upright, set an intention, and use a kuripe for self-application or receive from an experienced server using a tepi. Apply gently and remain seated for a few minutes while the body settles. Contains tobacco and nicotine unless clearly marked tobacco-free. Avoid during pregnancy, with heart or blood pressure concerns, nicotine sensitivity, or when using alcohol or other intoxicants.
Why it belongs in the bazaar
Chosen for the kind of slower, intentional ritual that suits the Cosmic Bazaar point of view.
A product with a clear mood, practical use, and a story that fits the wider shelves around it.
About the brand
Make It Sacred
Make It Sacred is part of the wider Cosmic Bazaar collective, bringing its own craft, sourcing, and plant-led focus to our shelves.
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