The ka'a (yerba mate) ritual marks the transition from one season to the next in Guarani villages. It is usually celebrated during the change from winter to spring, when the new season, Ara Pyau (spring and summer), is commemorated.
The ritual lasts two days and begins with the men harvesting the leaves and hanging them up inside the opy (prayer house). The following day, the girls and women prepare the leaves by smoking and powdering them. They place the powdered herb in small gourd bowls and arrange them on the altar.
Using the petyngua (pipe), the spiritual leader, the xeramoi (respected elder), and the plant masters, the xejary (respected elders), pray and consecrate the ka'a.
According to the elders, the ka'a is Nhanderu's (Creator God) daughter who was transformed into a plant while living on Earth with the first Guarani people. Yerba mate is the transformed girl.
Accompanied by the men's mbaraka mirim (rattle) and the women's takuapu (taquara stick), the chants help evoke the protective spirits of the herb, the food, and the seeds that will be planted in fields already prepared by the women.
Ka'a is an integral part of everyday Guarani life. They drink infused yerba mate in the morning, throughout the day, and before bed. It forms and strengthens the body, as does the sacred smoke of the petynguas, which are used during games as well.
Like soccer, these rituals are moments of body formation and collective construction in which female strength and wisdom are celebrated.
Caption ( of the tactile work - wall 06 )
* The "amba" is a container made of tree bark that is used during Guarani Mbya baptisms. The Guarani translate it as "altar" and use it to connect with the Nhe'e, protective spirits who give people their names.