Written By: Tami Coley
Photo Credit: Splash
The Steam Team
Steam Team JA talks the future of the Chalice
There are several ways to enjoy marijuana and its benefits, some more widely used than others, but it is generally accepted that for smoking purposes, the steaming method is the best option. Steaming herb in the physical sense means a much cleaner, less abrasive way to utilize the plant compared to smoking a ‘spliff’and it therefore affords the user greater health benefits as the nutrients within the plant are not completely burnt out. Spiritually speaking, it is more of a meditative experience that requires (as well as teaches) balance, patience, mindfulness and attention to detail. It involves all the four elements— earth represented in the clay ‘kutchie’ (mini oven) and ‘gritty’ (separator) used to prevent direct contact bewtween the herb and fire coals; water used to steam the herbs and the air/vapor that is circulated during the process— to unify body, mind and soul.
Steam chalice (steamers) enthusiasts will be the first to tell you that this highly spiritual practice enables the user to learn things about themselves, others and the world, and is as much a personal
experience as it is a social one… all of this is true. If you’ve never experienced it, expect to feel as though your mind has been gently opened to reveal the mysteries within. Though ‘sipping’ marijuana (read: consuming to absorb benefits) through a pipe or ‘chalice’ is by no means a new practice, for just over a year, the Steam Team in Kingston, Jamaica, has literally and figuratively been breathing new life into the culture by making it more visible. Originating out of the informal Steamers Family who connected with each other through a shared love for steaming — Kevin Campbell, Tuff Like Iron, Ital Vapor and others— the idea, conceptualized by Campbell, was borne from a need to formalize the link and make it into a lucrative business venture.
A few meanderings led to the founding of the new and improved Steam Team we now know early last year, comprising three core members — Kevin Campbell, Andre France and Renique (Ineeki) Harriot — with other fluctuating counterparts. This was another of Kevin’s ideas but the difference this time is that it’s a partnership between individuals who were already making a living selling steamers. He had the vision to take the steam chalice business further by applying for a booth at the Rebel Salute 2015 Herb Curb and decided to invite others to share it with him and make it a team effort. Naturally, they attracted a lot of attention, so much so that they scored a feature on the one of the nation’s longest-running and most respected TV programmes, Entertainment Report, and things took off ever since. They also showcased their wares last year-end at our Wickie Wackie Music Festival and were quite a hit with patrons. While they are still working on gaining more recognition and financial gains from the venture, they have found that the television feature has cemented their credibility in that people respect and understand and appreciate the skill required to create and market steamers even more.
As is customary for Rastafari, the Steam Team uses natural materials like bamboo, coconut, calabash (gourd) and ‘tinkin toe’ shells (read: Stinking toe or West Indian locust, botanical name Hymenaea Courbaril) to create highly attractive, custom-built, hand-carved steamers and are also purveyors of activated charcoal. This product has a number of major health benefits and health-conscious persons globally are singing its praises as it can be used to detoxify the body, cure stomach aches, whiten teeth, regulate blood sugar levels in diabetes patients and more.
On a mission to develop a vast network of steam chalice craftsfolk to represent Brand Jamaica, share the steaming culture and educate people on its myriad benefits with the world, the Steam Team is focused on their plan and turning heads with their eye-catching steamers on the way there. Keep reading to meet the core members as they share steaming life lessons, etiquette, tips and tricks with us.
KEVIN CAMPBELL – The Steaming King (Instagram: @steamteamja)
Role: Conceptualiser, curator, pace-setter and motivator of the Steam Team
First experience with marijuana: Age 5 in his backyard – curiosity led him to follow his nose right to his uncle’s ‘spliff’ who found it amusing, gave him a ‘one draw’ and he’s never turned back since.
Steaming for him means… “Self-healing first. It’s a daily, sacramental ‘livity’… medicine.”
His steaming advice: “Know yourself and your limitations, not everyone can manage marijuana.”
ANDRE FRANCE – The Bamboo General (Facebook: Andre France/Bamboo Steamaz)
Role: Expert craftsman and bamboo connoisseur
First experience with marijuana: Early high school years playing truant with some ‘uptown’ friends. Everything was funny and they didn’t understand it but it opened up a new world for him
to explore marijuana on his own.
Steaming for him is… “A very spiritual crafting experience that came first from a love of music and wanting to learn to make bamboo flutes. I found it very interesting and I had to learn how to do it, in the same way that once I got into steaming, I had to learn how to build a chalice for myself. I pack a bag of essentials and go up into the hills and into the bushes to select the bamboo that speak to me when the wind is rustling through them, it’s a very intense and humbling experience.”
What makes his steamers unique: “My steamaz balance on dem own so you can hold a meds (meditate), put the chalice aside and enjoy your experience instead of focusing on it so you can be the master of your experience. I also use bamboo that can only be found in heavily forested areas and I understand the material very well, so that allows for more creativity. When I build my steamaz I aim to revolutionize the user’s experience, make it easier for them. I also make them in various sizes from ones that fit into your pocket to others with massive chambers.”
RENIQUE HARRIOT – Madame Chalice (Instagram: @steamchaliceja)
Role: Artisan and founder, Steam Chalice JA
First experience with marijuana: At about age 9, stealing her brother Danny’s ‘spliff tails’ with her sister Kerry to feel nice.
How she became a chalice builder: Listening to Chronixx and Jah9 songs sparked an interest which led her to seek one for purchase after a Jah9 performance… there were none there and she decided to learn to make her own. Fate led her to a reasoning session by Dr K’nife’s house and her first one-on-one experience with a steamers and the rest is history.
Fun fact: She had no prior experience in art and crafts prior to building steamers and is reaping the benefits of a number of spinoffs since she started, including financial independence.
Steaming for her is… “A very subtle energy compared to smoking a ‘spliff’, which kinda grab up your throat a little, even without ‘grabba’ (tobacco) in it. It trains you to be patient and is better for you.”
Her steaming advice: “I encourage everyone to steam herb solely for healing purposes and make it
a completely medicinal and meditative experience. I steam basil and sage with my herb for the health benefits because those are the herbs that help to best combat the issues I used to have before I started steaming. Use up the marijuana because it good for we, it love we. You know?”
So what’s next for The Steam Team?
“More creativity, new beginnings and lots of new merchandise to come. The plan is to get a factory going.”
KEVIN CAMPBELL, The Steaming King
“I plan to branch out into even more artistic ventures like clothing, learning to make tams, shirts etc. and keep the steaming culture alive.”
RENIQUE ‘INEEKI’ HARRIET, Madame Chalice
“I am planning to have a Steamaz Exhibition that highlights some very Avant Garde creations and just develop the brand and product even more in terms of merchandising and marketing. The aim is to grow the network too, because unity is strength.”
ANDRE FRANCE, The Bamboo General
How to use a steam chalice…
- Load clay kutchie with herbs, place gritty in the centre to divide marijuana from hot coals.
- Add water to the base of the chalice, gauge it well. Less is more.
- Assemble the pipe to the chalice base and attach the kutchie to the top.
- Burn your shells for coal until red hot.
- Load hot coals onto kutchie, pull and ‘hold a meds’.
IRIE Steaming tip: When you forst load assemble the steamer, take 2-3 long pulls to get the coals going. After that, take only short pulls to avoid being overwhelmed. Make sure you hold the loaded steamer properly, do not hold it at the base only as this will increase the likelihood of coal burns.
Andre France shares steaming etiquette:
- Never distract a ‘loader’… when someone is adding coals to their steamaz, that is not the time to start a conversation.
- Watch your step, it is very easy to burn yourself and others if you’re not paying attention when you walk with or hold a chalice in hand.
- Be mindful of your space and the people within it. Not everyone allows others to use their chalice, while others are okay with a communion-type around the fire experience.
Guess what? The Steam Team JA ships worldwide! Find them at the Fyah Garden – 3B Greenvale Road, Kingston 10, just five minutes from Half-Way-Tree and check out their Steam Team Party every Saturday. You can also link up by calling Kevin at (876) 851-6510 and following on Instagram at @steamteamja. For Renique, follow her Instagram account or call/WhatsApp her at (876) 861-7474 or 452-0321. Andre France’s products can be had by calling (876) 290-0414 or purchasing them at Kingston Dub Club. You can also reach out to him on Facebook for more details.”