Manuel Córdova-Rios

Manuel C%C3%B3rdova-Rios

Manuel Córdova-Rios
Born	1887 Iquitos, Peru
Died	1978 Pucallpa, Peru
Nationality	Peruvian
Occupation	Healer, Shaman

Manuel Córdova-Rios (1887–1978) was a renowned Peruvian healer and shaman known for his extensive knowledge of Amazonian ethnobotany and traditional medicine. He is particularly noted for his work with ayahuasca, a traditional psychoactive brew used in spiritual and healing ceremonies.

Early Life

Manuel Córdova-Rios was born in 1887 in Iquitos, a city in the Loreto Region of Peru. From a young age, he was exposed to the rich cultural and botanical heritage of the Amazon Rainforest.

Captivity and Training

At the age of 15, Córdova-Rios was captured by a group of Huni Kui (also known as Kaxinawá) indigenous people while working in the forest. During his captivity, he was trained in the ways of the shaman, learning about the medicinal properties of various plants and the spiritual practices of the Huni Kui.

Shamanic Practices

Córdova-Rios became a respected shaman and healer, known for his ability to diagnose and treat various ailments using plant medicine. His work with ayahuasca ceremonies gained him recognition both within and outside the Amazonian communities. These ceremonies often involved the use of chants, rituals, and the ayahuasca brew to facilitate healing and spiritual insight.

Later Life and Legacy

In his later years, Córdova-Rios shared his knowledge with various researchers and ethnobotanists, contributing significantly to the understanding of Amazonian ethnobotany and traditional medicine. He passed away in 1978 in Pucallpa, Peru.

See Also

• Ayahuasca
• Shamanism
• Ethnobotany
• Traditional medicine
• Amazon Rainforest