Ancestral ritual traditions

The coca leaf is a fundamental element in the culture of various Indigenous, mestizo, and Afro-descendant communities. Its use goes beyond rituals and is integrated into daily life, playing a central role in spiritual, social, and medicinal practices. A clear example of this is mambe, a powdered preparation made from dried and ground coca leaves mixed with alkalis such as yarumo leaf, lime, or seashells. Many communities consume it daily to enhance concentration, strengthen memory, and promote dialogue in collective spaces. Beyond its use in mambeo, the coca leaf is also employed in sacred rituals such as kintu, an offering in which three coca leaves are carefully selected and blown upon with intentions and good wishes. This practice is common in ceremonies like the payment to Pachamama, where communities express their gratitude to Mother Earth and ask for protection, fertility, and harmony. These offerings are also part of festivals and spiritual gatherings, reflecting the deep connection between the coca leaf, nature, and ancestral beliefs. Despite the challenges surrounding its recognition, the coca leaf remains a symbol of identity and cultural resistance for many communities, who continue to defend its value in both sacred and everyday contexts.