Tepi & Kuripe Applicators

Tepi and kuripe: applicators for rapé

Tepi and kuripe are the traditional pipes used to apply rapé, a sacred Amazonian blow. A kuripe is a self-application pipe: you blow the powder into your own nose, usually through a V-shaped pipe. A tepi is a longer, straight pipe that lets a second person apply the rapé to the receiver.

Knowing the difference between a kuripe and a tepi, their materials and how to choose between them makes it easier to find a pipe that suits your practice.

What is a kuripe?

A kuripe is a compact pipe for self-application. You hold one end in your mouth and place the other at your nostril. Because it is small and easy to carry, it is the usual choice for personal meditation and solo practice.

Kuripes come in simple and decorated forms. Some have a double exit for both nostrils. You may also meet the names kuripe hape or hape kuripe: they describe the same tool.

What is a tepi?

A tepi is a longer, straight pipe used to give rapé to another person. The giver blows the powder through the pipe while the receiver stays still, which is why the tepi is associated with shared ceremony and guided practice.

Tepi are carved from wood or made from silver, and many carry carvings or symbolic patterns. If you want to buy a tepi, choose one that feels balanced in the hand and comfortable at both ends.

Kuripe and tepi: key differences

Both pipes carry the same rapé, but they serve different purposes:

• Kuripe: for self-application and personal practice
• Tepi: for giving rapé to another person in a shared ceremony
• Kuripe is compact and portable, tepi is longer
• Many people choose a kuripe and tepi set to cover both uses

Materials and craftsmanship

The material changes the look, weight and feel of a pipe. Our selection includes carved wooden kuripes and tepi in woods such as Chonta, Palo Sangre, teak, tamarind and crocodile wood, as well as silver pieces, some set with stones such as turquoise, amethyst or labradorite. Each product page names the material of that piece.

• Wooden kuripe and tepi: warm, natural look and feel, widely used in Amazonian traditions
• Silver kuripe and tepi: a refined metal finish that is easy to wipe clean
• Stones and beads: decoration, named on the product page

Natural materials vary

Wood, seeds and stones are natural materials, so colour, grain and markings differ from piece to piece.

How to choose the right kuripe or tepi

When you select a pipe, consider these points:

• Purpose: personal practice or sharing with another person
• Material and how it feels in the hand
• Size and comfort of the mouth and nostril ends
• Design: animal motifs such as jaguar, wolf, eagle or colibri, or a minimalist shape

Caring for your tepi or kuripe

Handle both pipes with respect and keep them in a dry, safe place. In traditional contexts these tools are cleaned with care and used only with clear intention.

To clean a pipe, wipe the outside with a soft cloth and use a thin, dry pipe cleaner for the inner barrel. Do not put wooden items in water, and do not clean tepi or kuripe with Agua de Florida.

Your order is packed in plain, unbranded packaging and delivered with tracking, usually in 5 to 7 business days. Standard shipping costs 23 EUR (Italy: 10 EUR) and is free for orders over 150 EUR. More on delivery and payment; our blog has guides on cleaning and use.