THE ORIGINS OF KAMBO
At the Kambo Practitioner Alliance (KPA), we believe that true healing must be rooted in respect for both people and the planet. Our commitment to ethical sourcing is exemplified by our long term partnership with the Matsés tribe, guardians of the Amazon rainforest and its profound healing traditions.
The Matsés People:
Guardians of Amazonian Knowledge
Deep within the lush, vibrant heart of the Amazon, the Matsés people have lived in close connection with nature for generations. Their intimate knowledge of medicinal plants and ceremonial practices is a treasure trove of wisdom, passed down through countless generations. They are the stewards of this vital ecosystem, and their traditional way of life is inextricably linked to its health and preservation.
The Matsés primarily reside in their homeland of Puerto Alegre, located along the Yaquerana River, which forms part of the natural border between Peru and Brazil. We visit this community each year to strengthen our relationship and support their cultural and environmental initiatives. The Matsés also have other villages along the border, maintaining a deep, ancestral connection with the land and waterways that sustain their way of life.
The Matsés, also known as the Jaguar People, are renowned for their exceptional knowledge of the rainforest's flora and fauna. Their intricate understanding of medicinal plants has been crucial in treating various illnesses within their community for generations. Traditionally, they use Kambo not only for physical health but also for spiritual purification, hunting preparation, and protection from negative energies.
Historically, the Matsés were one of the last indigenous groups to make contact with the outside world, with initial contact occurring in 1969. Despite modern influences, they have remained steadfast in preserving their cultural heritage, language, and traditional practices. The maloka we helped construct now serves as a vital space for passing down ancestral knowledge to younger generations.
A Partnership Forged in Respect and Sustainability:
Our collaboration with the Matsés tribe is built on a foundation of mutual respect, sustainability, and fair compensation. We are committed to:
-
Honouring Tradition: We deeply value and respect the sacred traditions and ancestral knowledge of the Matsés people. We recognise them as the true custodians of the Kambo tradition and strive to preserve their cultural heritage for future generations.
-
Sustainable Practices: We work directly with the Matsés community to ensure that all sourcing activities are conducted sustainably, minimising any impact on the delicate Amazonian ecosystem and safeguarding the long-term health of plant and animal populations.
-
Fair Compensation and Ongoing Support: We provide fair compensation to the Matsés tribe for their knowledge, expertise, and the resources they provide. Additionally, our practitioners regularly send donations to support community-led initiatives. This financial support contributes to the community's well-being, economic stability, and cultural preservation.
Our Commitment to Reciprocity:
Reciprocity is central to our relationship with the Matsés people. Beyond providing fair compensation, we have sent significant donations, including essential school supplies, to support local education. We also contributed to the construction of a traditional maloka, which serves as a gathering place for teaching younger generations about their culture, medicines, and ancestral knowledge. Our ongoing support reflects our deep respect for the Matsés and our dedication to giving back to the community that has entrusted us with their wisdom.
Kambo, a powerful medicine derived from the secretions of the Phyllomedusa bicolor frog, plays a central role in Matsés healing practices. Our sourcing process for Kambo is guided by the following principles:
-
Ethical and Sustainable Harvesting: Matsés warriors, possessing unparalleled skill and knowledge, harvest Kambo respectfully and sustainably. Their traditional methods ensure that the frogs are not harmed during the collection process, allowing them to return to their natural habitat and continue their vital role in the ecosystem. This sustainable approach safeguards the frog population and ensures the continued availability of this precious medicine.
-
Quality and Purity: The Matsés people carefully prepare the Kambo secretion, ensuring its purity and potency. Their time-honored methods preserve the integrity of the medicine, maintaining its efficacy and connection to its traditional context.
-
Direct Support for the Matsés Community: By sourcing Kambo directly from the Matsés tribe, we provide direct economic support to their community. This partnership empowers them to maintain their traditional way of life, strengthen their cultural identity, and continue their crucial work in protecting the Amazon rainforest.
Our commitment to ethical sourcing extends beyond Kambo to include other ceremonial materials used in our practice. We work closely with the Matsés to ensure that all resources are obtained sustainably and with the utmost respect for their cultural traditions.
Join Us in Supporting Ethical Practices:
When you choose the Kambo Practitioner Alliance, you are not simply receiving a service; you are becoming a part of a larger movement that prioritizes ethical sourcing, environmental stewardship, and the preservation of indigenous wisdom. Together, we can support the Matsés people, protect the Amazon rainforest, and ensure that these powerful healing traditions continue to thrive for generations to come. We invite you to join us on this journey.
Empowering the Matsés and Protecting the Amazon
Our partnership with the Matsés tribe is more than just a sourcing agreement; it's a reciprocal relationship built on mutual respect and shared goals. We recognize that the health and well-being of the Matsés people are inextricably linked to the health and preservation of the Amazon rainforest. By supporting their community, we are also supporting the protection of this vital ecosystem.
Our collaboration provides the Matsés with:
-
Economic Self-Determination: Direct income from the sustainable harvesting and preparation of Kambo empowers the Matsés to maintain their traditional way of life and make their own choices about their community's development. This economic independence allows them to resist external pressures that threaten their culture and their land.
-
Cultural Preservation: By supporting their traditional practices and knowledge systems, we help the Matsés preserve their rich cultural heritage for future generations. This partnership ensures that their ancestral wisdom, including their profound understanding of medicinal plants and ceremonial practices, is not lost.
-
Community Development: The income generated through our partnership supports essential community programs, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects. This helps improve the quality of life for the Matsés people and strengthens their community from within.
Protecting the Amazon Rainforest:
The Matsés are the guardians of a vast and incredibly biodiverse region of the Amazon rainforest. Our partnership contributes to:
-
Conservation Efforts: By supporting the Matsés and their traditional way of life, we are indirectly supporting their ongoing efforts to protect their ancestral lands from deforestation, illegal logging, and other threats. Their traditional knowledge and practices are essential for maintaining the health and resilience of the rainforest ecosystem.
-
Sustainable Resource Management: The Matsés have a deep understanding of sustainable resource management. Their traditional practices ensure that resources are harvested responsibly, minimizing any negative impact on the environment. Our partnership reinforces these sustainable practices and helps protect the long-term health of the Amazon.
-
Raising Awareness: Through our work with the Matsés, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the Amazon rainforest and the indigenous communities who call it home. We believe that by sharing their story, we can inspire others to support sustainable practices and contribute to the preservation of this vital ecosystem.
A Shared Vision for the Future:
Our partnership with the Matsés tribe is a testament to the power of collaboration and mutual respect. We believe that by working together, we can create a more just and sustainable future for both people and the planet. We are honored to be a part of this journey and are committed to continuing our support for the Matsés people and their invaluable work in protecting the Amazon rainforest.
