Wisdom of the Leaf

Presenters and participants of the inaugural Wisdom of the Leaf Coca Summit in Urubamba, Peru.

It's a Sunday morning, and I'm in my Cucsco apartment enjoying some coca tea, chewing on coca leaves, and catching up on various things. I hadn't planned to be here today, so I'm seizing the opportunity to regroup and organize my thoughts in anticipation of a hectic period ahead.

One of the tasks I've been aiming to tackle is the blog posts I had set aside for writing but never found the time to complete. One of those posts is about the Wisdom of the Leaf Coca Summit.

Wade Davis speaking with traditional weavers from Chinchero at Willka Tika, Urubamba, Peru.

The Wisdom of the Leaf Coca Summit was held in the Sacred Valley of Peru back in February (yes, I am that far behind). The summit was a gathering of scientists, Indigenous leaders, politicians, anthropologists, authors, policy makers, lawyers, drug policy specialists, creatives, and even humble photographers.

This remarkably diverse group convened to explore the coca leaf's past, present, and future. The leaf from this modest plant carries immense cultural and spiritual importance for communities ranging from Colombia to Bolivia. Additionally, it offers numerous physical benefits that could be shared globally, were it not for the negative perception of the plant by Western society, which stems from its modification and misuse by that very society.

Wade Davis and Dennis McKenna speaking to attendees of the Wisdom of the Leaf Coca Summit.

I received an invitation to participate in the summit to help create video content for the event. Initially, I had some reservations for various reasons, and although the start was somewhat challenging due to communication issues, I am glad that I decided to go. There were many remarkable, significant, and insightful discussions that occurred and I met a diverse group of passionate, intelligent, and committed people with whom I formed connections and still maintain contact, making attending truly worthwhile. 

The summit was a collaboration between the McKenna Academy of Natural Philosophy and Wade Davis. If you are not familiar with Wade Davis, he is Canadian cultural anthropologist, ethnobotanist, author, and photographer. He has received the Order of Canada and been named an Explorer of the Millenium by the National Geographic Society as one of their explorers in residence. His association and attendance at the summit was what ultimately convinced me to attend. 

Luis Solarat and I interviewing McKenna Academy founder, Dennis McKenna, at the Wisdom the Leaf Coca Summit.

Wade has authored 23 books and it was after reading a few of his early books and hearing him speak that greatly influenced my decision to become a photographer. His work and his words expressed how I felt and believed about the world around me. His gift for words and his ability to articulate his thoughts and ideas greatly influenced me, and damn him, he is a talented photographer as well! I also have a few of his photobooks.

Wade Davis’s latest book, Catherine Allen’s seminal book on the importance of coca to Andean culture, and Karina Pachecho’s first book to be translated into English.

I had always, and still do struggle to verbally express how I feel and think about the world around us. Becoming a photographer was my way to visually express those thoughts and feelings. This project, along with my experiences in Peru, represents an ongoing commitment to the values that are significant to me in my life and photographic journey.

During the summit, I was very busy conducting videography so I wasn’t able to spend time socializing or to have meaningful conversations with the multitude of people I wanted. However, after the summit I found time to speak with at least a few of the people I had hoped.  

Wade Davis visiting South America’s first textile factory in Lucre, Peru.

I had just finished reading Wade’s latest book “ Beaneath The Surface Of Things” shortly before the summit and shamelessly took the opportunity to have him sign it. There was only time for a brief chat, but he was staying on after the summit for a few days and so Karina Pachecho and I arranged to take him on a day trip to the south of Cusco.

Karina Pachecho and Wade Davis visiting the ruins of Pikallaqta.

Karina is a Peruvian anthropologist and author who was also in attendance at the summit at Wade’s invitation. I met Karina in the first few dayst that I was in Cusco and she introduced me to some people and events that would be significant for me and my project moving forward. I just ordered Karina’s latest book that is her first to be translated into English. I am excited to say it will be waiting for me in Canada when I am back to visit next month.

Wade Davis and Karina Pachecho visiting Lucre, Peru with friends, Manuel & Lia Carmona.

The impact that Wade’s work and words has had on me can’t be overstated. So getting the opportunity to spend some time with him and have free flowing discussions with he and Karina, was a great privilage. We visited some less known places that Karina and I both appreciate and introduced him to some friends that I cared about and are knowledgeable about the culture and history. It was a truly wonderful day. 

Wade Davis and Karina Pachecho visiting the ruins of Rumicolca.

At one point as we sat taking in the moment amongst the ancient ruins of Rumicolca, Wade said “You know, the days often slip by blending into one another, and then you have a day that you know you will always remember” and I couldn’t have agreed more.

Karina Pachecho, Wade Davis, and Michael Bednar at Rumicolca, Peru.

His work continues to influence me as has the culture of the Andes. I would like to think it was the wisdom of the coca leaf that allowed us to meet. 

With gratitude,

MB