Guardian of the forest
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For those who seek healing
For those who seek healing
(2019-2020)
Long term research about an alternative medicine called Kambo. The publication is composed of 4 photobooks and one essay written by the artist. The following presents excerpts of each part of the publication.
Kambo is a traditional healing ritual and the name of the poisonous secretion
of Phyllomedusa bicolor, a species of hylid frog, which is native to Amazonia. During the
Kambo ritual, a shaman burns small holes into the top layer of the skin, will then apply a
small amount of the poison to each hole. People tend to experience immediate symptoms
such as sweating, rapid heart rate, nausea, vomiting, loss of bladder control and muscle
contractions. It purifies the physical body of toxic substances, as well as purify the mind
and spirit of negative energy.
Proponents claim that the ritual can bring luck, increase
stamina, cure physical ailments, some believe that Alzheimer, Parkinson, cancer,
infertility, depression, anxiety, addiction and infection can be treated with Kambo as well.
However, its beneficial healing effects remain scientifically unproven, and there have been
reported cases of death following a cleanse.
Ancient hunters in the Amazons region used Kambo for sharpening their mind, still the
ceremonies are an important part in the life of amazonian tribes. 2015 Kambo arrived
officially in the western world by a book publication of a journalist, now more and more
practitioners are offering treatments with the frogs poison. It is labeled as as an alternative
medicine and therefore ignored by the pharmaceutic industry. I believe Kambo is an
uncommon, but complex and natural medicine which can replace regular medicine in
many cases. A treatment is painful and intense, but also underestimated about the healing
potentials of it.
I’m exploring the fascination about Kambo, it’s mysterious, different and supposed to be a
powerful healing medicine. I want to introduce an alternative for those who seek healing.