Exactly
Ebena (also Epená) is Waika's hallucinogenic drug .
Overview
The use of hallucinogenic drugs is widespread among the South American Indians and has probably a tradition that goes back several millennia, as grave finds from Peru and Chile suggest. The drug is only absorbed through the nose in powder form.
designation
The term Ebena or Epena is used exclusively by the Yanomami tribes . The other tribes call them Yopo , a term used by the Arawak Indians. Other names for the drug are "Parica" and "Cohoba".
Manufacturing
The most important component of Ebena are the fruits of the legume Anadenanthera peregrina , which is widespread throughout the Amazon region. Already Alexander von Humboldt it has found on his important trip to South America and as Acacia niopo referred. Active ingredients are derivatives of tryptamine such as dimethyltryptamine and bufotenin and also small amounts of beta-carbolines .
The beans from the pods are dried over fire and roasted and pressed together into a 15 cm roll. Packed in leaves, it can be kept for a while or used as a barter item under the name Parata . In order to increase the effectiveness of the drug, other substances are added: for example the bark of a large tree (njakoama), the inner layer of which is grated and also roasted over fire. And finally, you chop up the bark of another species of tree and burn it to ashes. All of this is mixed together and kneaded into a solid paste with spit. It is also dried over fire again and then ground to the ready-to-use powder with a grating stone. Ebena can only be kept in this state for a relatively short time, as it loses its effectiveness over time. Instead of plant ash, slaked lime made from snail shells is used to alkalize and thus release the alkaloids, which as bases can easily diffuse through mucous membranes.
effect
The drug is only used by men. With the Waika, who belong to the large group of the Yanoama, two sit opposite each other and take turns blowing the powder into their noses using a one-meter-long pipe. Other South American tribes use snuff that is inserted into the nose. The mutual injection of the drug takes place until the desired effect is achieved.
First of all, the mucous membranes are strongly irritated, which leads to an extremely strong secretion of nasal secretions and saliva. This is followed by strong motor excitement and hallucinations by the bufotenin . In the drug intoxication a feeling of physical size and strength develops, which leads to high jumps and inarticulate screams. In this state, according to their statements, the Indians also hear the voices of the spirits of plants and animals and join them in a kind of alternating song.
After this overstimulation of the physical and psychological forces, there is a certain exhaustion and with first-time users sometimes vomiting or even fainting spells. Usually the Yanomama use Ebena only on certain occasions such as B. visiting friendly tribes or at certain ceremonies. But Ebena is indispensable for the shaman when healing sick people. With his help he can get in touch with the spirits and drive away the sick.
Legal position
In Germany, Ebena is not subject to the BtMG .
literature
- Maria Isabel Eguillor García: Yopo, shamanes y hekura: Aspectos fenomenológicos del mundo sagrado yanomami (Libr.Ed.Salesiana, Caracas, 1984)
- Georg J Seitz: Some remarks on the use and mode of action of the Epena sniff of the Waika Indians (article)
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ a b c Entry on Yopo. In: Römpp Online . Georg Thieme Verlag, accessed on November 22, 2018.
- ^ Christian Rätsch, Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Plants, AT Verlag, Aarau, Switzerland, 7th edition 2004 ISBN 3-85502-570-3