By: GIORGIO SAMORINI
The rubbing of the secretions of certain tree frogs on skin scars is a widespread practice among at least fifteen ethnic groups in the Amazon. The most commonly used frog species is Phyllomedusa bicolor, commonly known as kampo or kambo. Over the past thirty years, this practice has spread globally, with purposes other than its original native uses. Several studies have been conducted on the urban use and the global neoshamanic practices of kampo. This paper brings together data regarding the traditional use of kampo prior to its globalisation and the influence of the global world on the traditional one. The oldest documents attesting to this practice concern the territories of the Guyanas and date back to 1881. The frog species involved, the methods of ingestion, the purposes for use, the symbolism and the mythological tales associated with this practice are presented for each ethnic group.
