Ephemeral tattoo of Genipapo Sateré Mawé from the Amazon of Brazil.

The myth: In the time of the Gods, a violent epidemic was raging, a disease for which there was no known cure. The Ancients searched for a cure for this disease and did many trials, testing all types of ants for beneficial effects. While doing this research, they came across an armadillo, "Mypynokuri", who told the Ancients that the ants they had tested could not cure the disease, but that he knew the ant that could do so because of its venom: the Tucandeira. The Ritual: The Tucandeira is an initiation ritual for young Sateré Mawé men and marks their passage from adolescence to adulthood. Before living it, they must adopt a special diet, cannot go into the forest, nor bathe in the river in order to preserve themselves. This ritual takes the form of a feast, for which many preparations are made - warana, food, songs, music - and during which the young men put their hands in two straw-braided "luvas", which contain Tucandeiras ants with very powerful venom. This ritual, although very painful, should ensure their rapid growth, strengthen their immune system and enable them to be good fishermen and archers. Instructions for use : 1. Use the stick provided or a brush to draw on the skin. 2. Make sure the area is clean, dry and ideally hairless. 3. Preferably tattoo after a shower and allow to dry. 4. In case of run-off, wash immediately with cold water. 5. For a more intense color do not hesitate to iron 2 to 3 times the following days. Your tattoo will last about ten days in a natural way. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)