Icaro (Quechua: ikaro) is a South American indigenous colloquialism for magic or alchemy, or any esotericmodality by which a practitioner attempts to channel their energy to manifest their will. Today, this term is commonly used to describe the medicine songs performed in vegetal ceremonies, especially by shamans in ayahuasca ceremonies to induce a profound state of healing, awareness or amazement. It is also commonly used to describe a traditional artisanal pattern of the Shipibo tribe based on the visions induced by ayahuasca.

I have participated in the traditional ceremony where the Icaros are sung. They are incredibly powerful, and sound like this.

26”x40”
Alcohol ink and ink on yupo.
Available at the OU Gallery until October 6th, 2018.