Speaking Beyond Ayahuasca: Yagé Varieties and Their Names
In this new Kahpi article, we learn of the Indigenous science of yagé, as known and practiced by Siekopai people of the northern Ecuadorian Amazon. Weisberger details Banisteriopsis caapi varieties and the unique characteristics and rituals associated with them.
The article mentions several types of B. caapi, each with distinct characteristics. Each of these varieties plays a crucial roles in Siekopai culture:
Tara’yagé (Sëño yagé or Killu ayahuasca): Considered the strongest variety, it has long runner vines and a generous canopy. The brew, when properly prepared, sustains energetic effects.
Tiwa’kurú yagé (Ocó yagé or Nea yagé): Obtained from divine immortals inside the realms of water, it has long vines, dark green leaves, and produces a dark-colored yagé.
Wai’yagé: A pygmy variety given by immortals inside the earth, it grows near human activity. It is used to communicate with animal chiefs and is prepared differently, with only the bark used.
Nuitu yagé: A lost variety similar to wai’yagé but twice as tall and with a thicker stalk.
Joya’yai yagé (Dog yagé): This variety has splotches of yellow coloration on its dark green leaves and is used as a cold-water infusion given to dogs to make them good hunters.
Tzinca’yagé (Mukutulluhuasca): The swollen-node variety with larger, wider, almost blue-green leaves. It flowers after tara’yagé and is perceived as not as strong, causing inebriation to rise and drop.
Airo’yagé: A wild variety meaning "forest," resembling tara’yagé but with bark that doesn't fall off easily. Rarely drunk and associated with atmospheric phenomena.
