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Preparation

In the chagra the coca leaf (Erythroxylum coca) (Figure 4.5) is collected in
a basket (Kirigein Uitoto language), which is taken to the Maloca.
The coca leaves are toasted in a clean tibe(earthenware tray), taking care
not to burn them (Figure 4.6). Once they have been toasted they are trans-
ferred to a large, tall mortar and pulverised with a pestle.
Completely dry fallen leaves from the yarumo tree (Cecropiaspp.) are
then collected and burned. The resultant ash is mixed with the pulverised
coca to form mambe(Antonio Kiriyati-ki: Muina (Uitoto), Cacique of Peñas
Negras (Resguardo) Localisation: between: resguardolos Monos and above
Resguardoof Puerto Sábalo; right hand side of the Ríver Caquetá).The
yarumo is found in various locations in the Amazon forest and is an invasive,
colonising plant. The leaves have the appearance and shape of a human hand
(Figure 4.7).

Yajé cielo(Banesteriopsis caapi)

SabedorRene Moreno Vaneo told the authors in an interview (interview 1
in the addendum):^12

Yajéis a plant which is fundamental to the ancestral knowledge for us in the

Trapecio (Amazonas, Colombia). In my culture (Cocama) we know the plant

as ayahuasca. In other parts of Colombia such as the Páez and Inga pueblos,

and other ethnic groups in the Putumayo area, the plant is known as yajé. It

has almost the same application in all Amazonian cultures. For the Cocama

Traditional medicine used in the Colombian Amazon forest | 73

Figure 4.5 Ceremonial coca
(Erythroxylum coca), Araracuara,
Caquéta medio, Amazonas,
Colombia, 10 January 1992.

Figure 4.6 Cacique Antonio Kiriyati-ki’s grandsons

toasting coca leaves in the maloca. Resguardo Peñas

Negras, Caquéta medio, Amazonas, Colombia,

22 February 1991.