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The Matses have numerous Amazonian “rituals of giving energy.” These rituals
are all painful to a large extent and involve one person giving energy to
another. The various rituals involve activities such as blowing a tobacco
mixture (snuff) into another’s nostrils, pressing stinging nettles onto
someone’s body, stinging someone with a giant ant, or administering an
emetic (frog poison). The giver is often an older male who is knowledgeable
and consequently holds much energy. The receiver is typically a younger male
who has been enlisted for a specific task such as hunting. The Matses
believe the receiver of the energy will become vigorous and more easily
complete the task at hand.
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