Kené

What does it mean?

Kené are the geometric designs of the Shipibo-Konibo people of the Peruvian Amazon that cover the surfaces of objects made by women. In 2008 they were declared intangible cultural heritage of Peru, together with the traditional use of ayahuasca. The designs are associated with the “immaterial designs” seen in ayahuasca ceremonies; this link between plant and design made it possible for the two heritages to be recognised together ^[1].

Related plants

• Ayahuasca vine: The ceremonial plant declared cultural heritage of Peru together with kené.
• Chacruna: The component of the ayahuasca brew called “the light of the visions”.
• Huito: Fruit used in the Amazon to paint designs on the body.

Same theme

Sources

1. Luisa Elvira Belaunde, “Diseños materiales e inmateriales”, Mundo Amazónico 3, 2012