The Shipibo peoples’ name comes from the Saddleback Tamarin monkey which is called shipi in their language and known as the “pichico” in Spanish. They were thought to resemble this adorable little fellow after drinking a traditional beverage called masato from small ceramic bowls, which leaves a white mark around their lips just like the Saddleback Tamarin.
Made from yucca, masato provides daily nourishment for many Amazonian Indigenous groups. In traditional Shipibo celebrations, such as the Ani Sheati, the masato is fermented and enjoyed as an alcoholic beverage.