The Many Lives of a Shamanic Chondur: Using Cyperus articulates in Yagé Shamanism of Southern Colombia
Journal of Ethnobiology July 1, 2021 Hernando Echeverri-Sanchez 1 citation
In western Amazonia, the medicinal plant Cyperus articulatus, locally called chondur, is used as a shamanic tool to combat spiritual agents believed to cause illness. The plant also plays a central role in yagé (ayahuasca) ceremonies. This article examines two distinct folk varieties of the plant in Putumayo, Colombia, each with its own use, purpose, and symbolism. The use of these plants in healing rituals and yagé ceremonies underscores the importance of tools, techniques, and devices in reinforcing therapeutic narratives.