Nixiwaca Cacique (Yawanawá)

 
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.