A chakapa is a very important tool for curanderos (healers) in the Amazon for healing ceremonies. The chakapa’s sound is relaxing, calming, healing and cleansing. It has the ability to support deep cleansing of energies and forces in people, and in spaces.  Chakapa means "rattle" in Quetchua, and it is a simple yet powerful inrtument to accompany the voice in healing songs and chants. 
 
Curanderos say the chakapa can catch bad spirits in the leaves, they then blow it out back into the forest.
 
Instructions: Before using the Chakapa, it should be humidified. The Chakapa is dehydrated before shipping, so the leaves and stems are very brittle and may break upon first use. The Chakapa can easily be brought back to life by soaking it in water for 15 minutes, then spreading the leaves into the desired shape. Allow them to dry and if necessary repeat the process. This will give the chakapa the fanned shape and make its appearance fresh.