Hapé, Kuripe and Tepi: What They Are and How They Differ
Hapé is a tobacco product. It contains nicotine, which is addictive. It is sold to adults only and is not suitable during pregnancy.
Hapé, also written rapé, is a very fine snuff from the traditions of Amazonian peoples. It is applied in the nose with small applicators carved in wood, bone or stone: the kuripe and the tepi. This guide explains what each one is, how they differ and how to look after them.
What hapé is made of
The base of hapé is mapacho (Nicotiana rustica), a strong tobacco of the Amazon and the Andes. The leaves are dried and ground into a fine powder and, in many recipes, mixed with the ashes of tree barks or other plants. Each people and each maker has its own recipe, so colour, texture and strength change from one hapé to another.
Kuripe or tepi?
- Kuripe: a small V-shaped applicator. One end goes to the mouth and the other to the nostril, so you use it on yourself.
- Tepi: a longer, straight pipe. One person blows the hapé for another, which is why it is used in pairs or in ceremony.
Both are carved by hand. Wood such as palo santo, chonta or palisangre is light and warm to the touch; stone is heavier and very durable. See our kuripes and tepis.
How to care for a kuripe or a tepi
- Blow through it after each use to clear the powder, and wipe it with a dry cloth.
- Do not soak wooden pieces in water: the wood can swell or crack. A cotton swab is enough for the inside.
- Keep it in a cloth pouch so it does not get scratched or knocked.
- Use your own applicator and do not share it, for hygiene.
How to store hapé
Keep hapé in an airtight container, in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. Moisture makes the powder form lumps. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
Buying hapé abroad
Because hapé is tobacco, some countries restrict, tax or forbid its import, and some ask for a permit. Check your country’s rules before ordering. Our shipping page explains how we ship from Peru.
Frequently asked questions
Is hapé the same as mapacho?
Mapacho is the tobacco; hapé is a fine powder made from it, often with plant ashes. Mapacho is also sold as rolls, logs and cigars.
Which kuripe should I choose?
Choose by material and feel: wood is light and warm, stone is heavy and lasts for generations. Palo santo kuripes also keep a soft aroma.
Do you sell hapé to every country?
We ship worldwide, but import rules for tobacco depend on each country and are the buyer’s responsibility.