Yopo set

Dated: pre-1991

Cultural Context: Northeast Amazon style.

Origin: Upper Orinoco (Venezuela, South America)

Medium: Wood

Technique: Carved

Dimensions: Height = 2.2 cm; Length = 17 cm; Width = 12.2 cm

Inventory no.: MAM 1991/06/07, 1991/06/09, 1991/06/10 y 1991/06/11

Shamans of some Venezuelan indigenous groups inhale hallucinogenic substances in their ritual ceremonies. Each shaman has their own way of obtaining these substances, and the preparation of the same shows the shaman's extensive botanical knowledge. Two types of utensils for inhaling yopo have been described among Venezuelan indigenous groups. The first, used by the Hiwi (Guahibo), Yabarana, and De'áruwa (Piaroa), is a Y-shaped inhaler that is used by the shaman individually. The second, more common among the Yanomami, consists of a long, thin tube, one end of which is inserted into the nostril of the recipient while the substance is blown out the other end by another person, who will then switch roles with the recipient. Besides inhalers, members of these groups use a variety of tools to prepare and consume hallucinogens, including wooden mortars, grinding pestles, containers made of snail shells, combs used during the ritual to ward off evil spirits, long black curassow (Crax alector) feathers to clean out the inhaler, and brushes similar to the one seen here. This set was used by the Waica to prepare and consume hallucinogenic substances.