Back

Selected ressource details

-
Back

Shamanic snuffs or entheogenic errhines

Abstract

This book aims to address this oversight by giving the visionary snuffs pride of place, with barely a nod to ayahuasca. I shall commence with a look at the cohoba/ yopo/niopo-complex of the Caribbean, including the vast and possibly more important group of cebil/hatdj/vilca-inebriants of the Andes and Chaco (Anadenanthera species in the Leguminosae). Also receiving detailed attention will be some kindred Amazonian snuffs known as epena/hakudufhalyd-kee, principally prepared from species of Myristicacea: (or the nutmeg-family), mostly belonging to the genus Virola. Given the relative importance of tobacco-snuffing in our own cultural history, and the prominence of similar practices in South American shamanism, it is fitting that I should then turn my attention to this still-widespread indulgence, and yet an other chapter will be devoted to lesser-known snuff-sources, of which there exists a surprisingly large number; this will include a visionary veterinary vademecum of stimulating snuffs for hounds and horses! I hope thus highlighting such recondite snuff-lore will stimulate a renewed interest in novel «nepenthic nosegays», mayhap even lead to rhonchisonant changes in the lives of some of our suburban mascots after all, if wo[man)s best friend be entitled to organic foods and medicines, might her or his two-legged associates long stint the occasional stimulating snoutful?