Tepi vs Kuripe: Choosing Your Sacred Pipe for Hapé Ceremony

Urukla Healing
Jun 17
14 min read

In the realm of Amazonian plant medicine, Hapé (also known as Rapé) is a sacred tobacco snuff used for grounding, cleansing, and spiritual alignment. This potent medicine is never simply inhaled; it is administered through special pipes in a ceremonial way. Two primary Hapé ceremony tools carry this medicine: the Kuripe and the Tepi. Each pipe serves as a bridge between the physical and spiritual, yet they differ in function, energy, and use. In this guide, we explore Kuripe vs Tepi – what they are, how they’re used in ritual, their spiritual significance, and how to choose the pipe that best suits your practice. With a respectful, mystical lens, let’s journey into the wisdom of these sacred applicators of hapé.

Kuripe – The Self-Applicator Pipe for Personal Ceremony

The Kuripe is a small V-shaped pipe designed for self-application of hapé. In indigenous Amazonian practice, the kuripe empowers you to become both the giver and receiver of the medicine in one breath. One end of the V-shape fits snugly into your nostril, and the other end rests in your mouth. By blowing through the pipe, you send the hapé into your own nostrils, administering the medicine to yourself with intention and care. This simple yet profound tool is often lovingly called a self-applicator, as it enables solo practitioners to partake in hapé ceremony without a second person’s assistance.

A handcrafted Kuripe pipe adorned with beads – a personal V-shaped applicator used to administer hapé to oneself.

Each kuripe is more than a tool; it is a sacred object imbued with the spirit of its maker and the Earth’s materials. Traditionally handcrafted by indigenous artisans, a kuripe might be carved from wood, bone, or bamboo and adorned with natural accents like seeds, feathers, beads, or crystals. No two kuripes are exactly alike. You may find a kuripe etched with tribal symbols or animal totems – a jaguar for strength, an eagle for vision – each decoration chosen to invoke the spirit’s protection and guidance. When you hold a handmade kuripe, you can sense it was created in prayer and reverence, meant to carry the ancestral energy of the Amazon. It is a piece of art as much as a functional pipe, reflecting the lineage and intention of its origin.

Using a kuripe in ceremony is a ritual of self-communion. Imagine sitting in a quiet, sacred space, perhaps cross-legged on the earth. You place a pinch of your hapé blend into the smaller end of the kuripe. Bringing the larger end to your mouth, you take a deep centring breath, align with your intention, and blow sharply and firmly. In that moment, you are both the healer and the healed. The first blow is often directed into the left nostril – associated with the receptive, feminine energy – followed by a blow into the right nostril – linked to the active, masculine energy. This balanced application symbolizes a harmonious alignment of energies within you. The initial sensation can be intense; the medicine hits the sinus and energy channels, often bringing a surge of clarity, warmth, or even the urge to release (tears, cough, or purge). With practice, this process becomes a deeply meditative ritual. Administering hapé to yourself requires focus and courage, teaching you to be fully present. Any hesitation or scattered thought, and the application may go awry; but with a clear mind and steady breath, the kuripe delivers the medicine exactly where it needs to go.

Many practitioners consider their kuripe a trusted ally – an extension of one’s breath and prayer. Over time, using a kuripe regularly can cultivate self-reliance and inner strength. It’s often said that the kuripe allows you to “sit with your own spirit.” In solitude, with this little pipe, you learn that ultimately your healing journey is between you, the plant spirits, and Creator. Whether you use it at sunrise to ground and set your daily intention, or at night to clear the day’s energies, the kuripe becomes a conduit for personal ceremony anywhere, anytime.

Because of its personal nature, treating the kuripe with respect is paramount. In Amazonian tradition, rapé applicators are cared for like sacred friends. After a heavy healing session, one might cleanse a kuripe by blowing fragrant smoke (from sage, palo santo, or tobacco) through it, or bathing it in herbal water. Many keep their kuripe on an altar or wrapped in a special cloth when not in use. These acts of care acknowledge that the tool carries spiritual energy. By honouring your kuripe, you keep its medicine strong and its spirit aligned with your intention.

Curious to experience the kuripe’s energy yourself? Feel free to explore our collection of Kuripe pipes – each one handcrafted by indigenous artisans to carry authentic wisdom for your journey.

Ceremonial Kuripe made by Huni Kuin Tribe

Tepi – The Ceremonial Pipe of Connection and Service

If the kuripe represents self-communion, the Tepi pipe embodies connection and service. A tepi is a longer pipe, often straight or gently curved, used to administer hapé to another person. In Amazonian ceremonies, the use of a tepi is a sacred exchange: one person (a shaman, healer, or a trusted friend) uses the pipe to blow hapé into the nostrils of the receiver. This act is rich with symbolism and requires mutual trust. The giver must center themselves and become a clear channel, while the receiver surrenders and opens to the medicine. The tepi, in essence, becomes a bridge between two souls, uniting them in a moment of healing and shared prayer.

*An intricately crafted Tepi pipe with crystal adornments – a ceremonial tool for serving hapé between giver and receiver.*

Like the kuripe, traditional tepis are handcrafted from natural materials such as wood, bamboo, or bone. However, tepis are typically longer and often feature a wider mouthpiece on the end that goes in the server’s mouth, with a narrower tip for the recipient’s nostril. This design ensures a strong, focused blast of medicine deep into the sinuses, while giving the server control over the force and dosage. Tepi pipes are frequently decorated in ways that reflect their communal purpose. You might see a tepi carved with jungle animals or painted with Kené designs – the sacred geometric patterns of tribes like the Shipibo or Kuntanawa. Colorful woven bands or strings of beads may be wrapped around it, each colour and bead carrying symbolic meaning (for example, red feathers for ancestral strength or blue beads for clarity and sky energy). Feathers often dangle from a tepi, fluttering as the hapé is blown – a visible prayer carried on the breath. Every adornment is intentional: a macaw feather might invoke visionary insight, a serpent carving might call on transformation. Thus, a tepi is not merely a pipe; it is a ceremonial art piece and a spiritual tool representing unity, healing, and the wisdom of the forest.

In a hapé ceremony, receiving hapé through a tepi is a lesson in trust and letting go. Picture sitting in ritual, eyes closed and spine straight, while a healer kneels in front of you. They load a small heap of sacred hapé powder into the tepi, whisper a prayer or blow their intention into the pipe, then gently place the pipe’s end to your nostril. With a swift, powerful breath, they send the medicine into your being. You might feel an instant wave of clarity or a surge of emotion as the hapé does its work. The experience can be more intense than self-application because you, as the receiver, surrender completely – you are not in control of the breath or force. This surrender can lead to profound releases: tears cleansing grief, an “aha” insight flashing in your mind, or a heavy energetic weight suddenly lifted. Healing in relationship through the tepi often allows deeper work, much like how receiving healing from another (be it massage, Reiki, or prayer) can touch places we can’t reach alone. Many who have been served hapé by a skilled shaman describe it as a life-altering moment – a true communion with Spirit facilitated by the shared breath.

For the one who serves with the tepi, it is an act of humility, compassion, and responsibility. In indigenous communities, a healer serving rapé will often do so for everyone in the circle, taking care to remain spiritually grounded and protected. Blowing medicine for someone else is considered sacred service: the server often holds the intention of being a “hollow bone,” letting the energy of the plant medicine and Great Spirit flow through them for the benefit of the recipient. They may silently pray for the person’s healing – asking the hapé to cleanse what needs cleansing or to give strength where it’s needed. This practice creates a powerful bond. The tepi pipe’s meaning thus goes beyond its physical form; it symbolizes reciprocity and union. It reminds us that healing often happens together – in a circle of trust, between friends, within community. Some Amazonian elders say that when two people share hapé with a tepi, they affirm, “We are one family.” In that moment of exchange, hierarchies dissolve: even if a shaman serves a student, they are in service, not dominance, and if the student later serves the shaman, they step into the role of caretaker. The tepi teaches that we each hold the medicine of empathy and mutual support.

Just like the kuripe, the tepi must be treated as a sacred implement. After ceremonies, it’s common to gently clean a tepi (both physically clearing residue and energetically cleansing it with smoke or intention). When you use a tepi with a partner or group, communication is key: agree on signals or consent for serving more medicine, always ensuring respect for the receiver’s limits. Over time, a pair of practitioners can develop a beautiful synergy with the tepi – a dance of breath and spirit, where both participants move in harmony with the medicine. Whether you are serving or receiving, approach the tepi with gratitude: it carries the breath of life and the spirit of the plants in equal measure.

(If you feel called to this path of shared healing, you may explore our range of Tepi pipes, crafted with care by Amazonian tribes. Each tepi in our collection is chosen for its authenticity and blessed intention, ready to support the connection between giver and receiver.)

Kuripe vs Tepi: Key Differences in Function & Energy

Both kuripe and tepi are essential hapé pipes, but they serve different roles. Here are some key differences to help illuminate their unique qualities:

Personal Use vs Shared Use: A Kuripe is used for self-application, allowing you to serve yourself hapé. In contrast, a Tepi is used for serving others – one person blows the medicine for another. This fundamental difference defines their purpose: kuripe for solo practice, tepi for partner or group ceremony.
Shape and Design: Kuripes are typically V-shaped or elbow-shaped, small enough to fit from your nostril to your mouth. They are compact and often portable, reflecting their personal use. Tepis are longer, straight or slightly curved tubes. One end of a tepi is placed in the server’s mouth and the other in the recipient’s nostril, hence its elongated form. The designs often reflect their use – kuripe might be modestly decorated for individual connection, while tepis often have more elaborate adornments to honour the communal ritual.
Energetic Quality: The kuripe’s energy is one of introspection and self-reliance. It holds space for you to go inward, to face yourself, and to build a direct relationship with the plant spirit. The tepi’s energy, on the other hand, is about connection, trust, and reciprocity. Using a tepi creates a shared sacred moment – it emphasizes that healing can be a collective journey and teaches surrender and empathy between people.
Ceremonial Role: In practice, the kuripe turns the user into both shaman and participant; you pray over the medicine and administer it to yourself, often as part of a personal meditation or prayer. The tepi usually involves a designated server (sometimes a shaman or experienced practitioner) and a receiver; it often comes into play in ceremonies, healing circles, or rites of passage where building group energy and trust is important. A kuripe ritual might be quiet and personal, while a tepi ceremony often weaves into larger group rituals and can strengthen community bonds.
Intensity and Control: When using a kuripe, you control the intensity of the blow – this can be gentle or strong depending on your lung capacity and intention, allowing you to moderate your experience. With a tepi, the intensity often can be greater, since the server can give a stronger blast than most people can do on themselves. Many find that hapé received via tepi penetrates deeper, sometimes provoking a stronger cleansing effect. However, because you are not actively blowing, you as the receiver can fully let go and focus solely on processing the medicine.

By understanding these differences, one can appreciate that Kuripe and Tepi complement each other in the sacred practice of hapé. Rather than one being “better” than the other, each serves a distinct purpose in the spiritual toolkit.

Choosing the Right Hapé Pipe for Your Practice

With knowledge of both pipes, you may be wondering which to choose – Kuripe or Tepi? The answer ultimately depends on your personal practice, intentions, and how you plan to work with hapé:

For Solo Practitioners: If you primarily do ceremonies alone or use hapé as part of a private meditation, a kuripe is essential. The kuripe gives you the autonomy to engage with the medicine whenever you feel called. It’s perfect for those who seek a daily or personal ritual, allowing you to sit with hapé in the silence of your own space. Beginners often start with a kuripe since it’s the most straightforward way to build a relationship with hapé without needing a partner present.
For Shared Ceremonies and Healers: If you are a healer, shamanic practitioner, or often sit with others in ceremony, a tepi becomes very important. The tepi enables you to serve others or be served during group rituals. Perhaps you have a close partner or a spiritual friend with whom you exchange healing – a tepi will allow you to administer hapé to each other in a sacred manner. Likewise, if you plan to facilitate circles or include hapé in community ceremonies, a good tepi is the right tool to carry this medicine around the circle.
Intention and Calling: Sometimes the choice comes down to what you feel drawn to. Some individuals feel a strong resonance with the idea of self-application – the path of the lone wolf, sitting in direct communion with spirit. Others might feel their heart leap at the thought of sharing medicine, acting in service or experiencing that deep trust with another – the path of connection. Listen to your intuition. The pipe that suits you is often the one that aligns with your personal growth at this time. There is also no rule against having both: many seasoned practitioners keep both a kuripe and a tepi on their altar. They may use the kuripe for daily practice and the tepi for special ceremonies with others, or even alternate based on the guidance of spirit. Over the course of your journey, you might find owning both types gives you the full spectrum of hapé practice – personal and communal.
Practical Considerations: Think about your environment and support network. If you seldom have someone around who knows how to serve hapé, a tepi alone won’t be very useful – you’d need a kuripe to serve yourself. On the other hand, if you are part of a shamanic community or often attend ceremonies, having a tepi can deepen your involvement and allow you to both give and receive in circle. Also consider portability and care: a kuripe is small enough to carry in a pocket or medicine bag, ready whenever you need a quick prayer with the tobacco. A tepi, being longer, is a bit less portable but can still travel to retreats or gatherings. Ensure whichever pipe you choose is made with quality and positive energy – you want a tool that will last and that carries good spirit.

Remember, choosing a hapé pipe is a personal decision but not one of exclusion. You may start with one and later incorporate the other. What matters is the respect and intention you bring to your practice. Whether solo or shared, hapé ceremony is a sacred act. The pipe you use becomes an ally on your journey, so choose with a clear heart and an open mind. If possible, hold a kuripe or tepi in your hands before buying – feel which one “speaks” to you. Many people report that they didn’t just choose their pipe; it chose them. Trust that sense of resonance.

Honouring Tradition and Reciprocity

Whichever pipe you work with, it’s vital to approach hapé with respect, humility, and gratitude. Both kuripe and tepi come to us through the wisdom of Amazonian tribes who have carried these traditions for millennia. In their cultures, every use of hapé is accompanied by prayer and respect for the spirit of the plants. We too are called to honour the lineage every time we pick up a pipe and blow this sacred tobacco snuff.

One way to honour the tradition is through the principle of reciprocity. Indigenous wisdom teaches that when we receive healing or guidance from a plant medicine, we should give back in some way – to the Earth, to the community, or to spirit. In the Andes, this is known as ayni, sacred reciprocity, the balance of give and take. You can embody this by offering a simple prayer of thanks to Mother Earth (Pachamama) and the ancestors after your ceremony, or by making a small offering – perhaps a pinch of tobacco blown to the sky, or pouring water on the ground in gratitude. Practically, reciprocity might mean supporting the indigenous communities who share these medicines (for example, buying your hapé and tools ethically, donating to reforestation or tribal initiatives, or sharing knowledge with others in a respectful way). Even living your life with greater kindness and mindfulness can be a form of giving back, as you integrate the lessons the medicine teaches you.

Respectful use also means knowing your limits and the sanctity of the process. Hapé is powerful and not to be used carelessly. Always set an intention and create a safe, sacred setting for your practice. Treat your kuripe or tepi as ritual instruments: store them safely, keep them clean, perhaps smudge them with sage or palo santo before and after use. You might even dedicate your pipe through a small ceremony – for instance, holding it in prayer and stating that it will only be used for the highest good, in truth and healing. By infusing your tool with respect and positive energy, you align it with the ancestral spirit that crafted the first hapé pipes from the Amazon’s gifts.

Finally, remember that hapé and its tools teach us humility. The real medicine is in the relationship – between you and the spirit of hapé, between you and those you share it with, and between you and the Earth. Kuripe and Tepi are channels for that medicine, but your heart, intention, and respect are what make the experience sacred. As the elders often remind us, the power of any shamanic tool comes from the partnership between the person and the spirit of the tool. By approaching your hapé practice with reverence, you allow these tools to reveal their deepest teachings over time.

Embrace Your Sacred Path

Standing at this crossroads of Kuripe vs Tepi, you are really choosing how you wish to dance with the spirit of hapé. Will you walk the path of solitary communion, or join the flow of shared ceremony – or perhaps both? There is no wrong answer, only what resonates with your soul. Many travelers on the shamanic path find that eventually they work with both pipes as their journey evolves.

If you feel called to deepen your practice, we invite you to explore Shaman’s Cave’s collection of authentic kuripes and tepis. Each pipe we offer is handmade with love and integrity, carrying the prayer of its maker and the energy of the rainforest. When you select your hapé pipe, you’re not just purchasing a product – you are receiving a sacred tool imbued with ancestral wisdom. Our wish is that it becomes a cherished ally in your spiritual journey.

Beyond choosing a pipe, consider staying connected with our community. We regularly share teachings, rituals, and stories from the world of plant medicine and indigenous wisdom. Sign up for our newsletter to receive inspiration and guidance on using sacred tools like hapé, and to be the first to know about new items and events. By joining our circle, you continue learning and walking this path with support and reverence.

May your kuripe or tepi guide your breath in prayer, may the sacred tobacco clear your mind and open your heart, and may you always remember the reciprocity between you and the Earth. In this mystical, grounded journey with hapé, you are both the student and the teacher, the healer and the healed. Aho Mitakuye Oyasin – to all our relations – may your practice be blessed and your path be illuminated.