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Shipibo Artisans

Fine Shipibo Handcrafted Textiles;

The allure of traditional Shipibo Art is undeniable. Bright patterns and vivid rainforest colors demonstrate these people's connection to the Creative.

It has been said that "the patterns are obtained in an Ayahuasca vision" and quickly recorded onto fabric. The patterns represent the mythology of the Shipibo, their natural and spiritual world, and the spirits that live there. Some patterns represent animals, plants, or geological memories. Some say they are recordings of constellations. I myself believe that they are visual patterns that accompany the songs they sing in their ceremonies.The designs are healing patterns, and considered to be psychic shielding from evil. The Shipibo wish to offer their best wishes to the rest of the world residing outside of the Amazon. Shipibo Textiles on Ebay

Video: "Shipibo Artisans"

 

Goals and Beliefs

Conscious Commerce;

Many drugs have been derived from the shared knowledge of tribes in the Amazon. Many of the elder shamans who provided information for the development and extraction of drugs were never compensated. While trans-national global corporations pocket big bucks through peddling drugs, native people have found their land and life less than graced by this enormous benefit to western society. In fact their lands have been encroached upon, and their knowledge captured like pirate booty. "Genetic resources were removed and synthesized in labs of the First World, without establishing agreements to ensure to the communities that hold the traditional knowledge the due participation in the researches’ resulting benefits."

We also believe that the current pharmaceutical cartel would like to perpetuate ignorance regarding the effectiveness of traditional whole plant medicinal remedies (the basis for many modern medicines). Many studies refer to the tremendous benefits of whole plant medicines, opposed to derived “active compounds”. In a case study entitled "Medicinal Plants vs Pharmaceuticals for Tropical Rural Health Care" by; T. Carlson "The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 80% of people in the world use medicinal plants as their primary health care medicines".

We know that friends, family and strangers want to get to know these medicines. As the modern global economic web descends upon indigenous people like the Shipibo, it's important for those that care to invest in their Traditional work. It's time for the stewards of the forest to receive their fare cut, it's not going to be doled out by the pharmaceutical corporations. For in their book, a pack of cigarettes, a blanket or a small sum of money to an individual is significant exchange for the Indigenous Intellectual Property Rights of an entire plethora of people living in balance with the forest. We have to see to it, so that these very complex eco/knowledge systems survive into the future.

We are providing the business framework, communications, marketing and inspiration for non-timber forest industries. We will purchase and provide financial benefits to individuals, tribes and groups who produce Textiles or harvest with the principals of fair-trade, sustainability and social responsibility in mind. We accompany harvest campaigns to ensure that our products are compliant with our aims.

The support of our clients is vital to our success. We intend to provide unremarkable service and compassion to all who come to us with their health care needs. We hope that doing business together will be beneficial to all parties involved.

Reference:

Thomas J. Carlson, Case Study "Medicinal Plants vs. Pharmaceuticals for
Tropical Rural Health Care
" Department of Integrative Biology,
University of California, Berkeley. As Retrieved on 02-14-05 from:http://www.grida.no/climate/ipcc/tectran/356.htm

 

Current Projects Herb Expedition

Shipibo

We are currently working with some Shipibo-Conibos, a group of indigenous people living in scattered communities along the Rio Ucayali of Peru.

Our last trip involved; assessing current harvesting practices, harvesting Una de Gato & Chuchuwassi, exploration and purchasing quantities of Textiles. Our Copaiba and Sangre de Grado were purchased from a vendor who practices ethical machete harvesting techniques.

The Shipibo are esteemed by many tribes and mestizos of the Amazon. They are known for their lifestyle, spirituality, medicine & Mastery of Ayahuasca. It's unknown, how long the Shipibos have been using Ayahusca for healing & spirituality. Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic beverage that is employed by professional Curenderos through out the Amazon. The level of understanding of this medicine and their intrinsic relationship with it, makes Shipibo Shamans living libraries of ancient wisdom about illness, how to live and medicinal plants. These are the people we employ to take us through the forest to gather our herbs.

Shipibo Family

A more lucrative supply of income is provided to the feminine contingency of Shipibo families, through the trade and promotion of their Textiles, which are often said to be inspired by their visions from Ayahuasca.

David Howes on Shipibo Spiritual Art & Design

 

 

 

Copaiba OleoresinCopaiba Healing

Natures Healing Ointment

The oleoresin from within the Copaiba tree has been known for centuries as one of the most versatile forest products mother nature has to offer. Therefore, We like to ensure that it is ethically wild crafted. A wide array of uses has been reported around the world. From fixing paints and perfumes to healing stomach ulcers, Copaiba's smell suggests that she is an essential gift from the Amazon. Proper tapping of Copaifera trees can provide a long lasting supply of resin. Copaiba is great for relieving irritation from insect bites, pain from burns and bruises and helps accelerate the process of healing. Internally it is known throughout South America as a tradition remedy for asthma, ulcers and many other things. It's disinfecting properties are enormous. Copaiba is a great substitute for petroleum based anti-biotic creams and first aid ointments marketed by the pharmaceutical giants. Actions: antibacterial, Anesthetic, antacid, antiseptic, antiviral, astringent, cough, disinfectant, diuretic, emetic, emollient, expectorant, laxative, stimulant anti-inflammatory, anti fungal, tumor inhibiting , ulcer inhibition, Analgesic. Resin for Internal uses; gastritis, stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome,diarrhea, bronchitis, gonorrhea, expels mucus from the lungs, problems of the bladder Oleoresin for External uses; Any skin ailment, dandruff, athletes foot, cuts, bruises, hemorrhoids and minor joint or muscle pain, diaper rash, bed sores, acne. Copaiba is also great for aroma therapy or a base for perfumes. Please, Avoid eye contact, and test for allergic reaction on small area of skin! 1 ounce

More Medicines Stay with us as this department grows.

Amazonian Healing & Ayahuasca Painting of an Ayahuasca Ceremony, Iquitos Zoo, Peru. 2003

The Queen of Plants, Regalo de Dios.

While Amazon Medicinals, in no way trades in Ayahuasca, we thought it pertinent to include some information about the "Queen of the Plants". Our spiritual connection with her has seeded this very business. We do think that you should know that Ayahuasca is illegal in the U.S. We do not suggest or condone breaking the law. All of our photos and experience in regards to this sacred but illegal plant teacher come from the Amazon where the laws are different.

Amazon Medicinals does not trade in ayahuasca due to the threatened nature of over harvested vine. We also believe that it is dangerous for one to "try some" on their own. The benefits of Ayahuasca are most often realized under the guidance of a trained and experienced professional.

Ayahuasca & Healing

"Ayahuasca & Psychology" By: Michael Sonn

Ayahuasca.com

Peru seeks tribal cure for addiction By: Javier Lizarzaburu B.B.C.

Amazonian Medicinal Plant Database