Tomaraho Chamacoco in Paraguay

The Tomaraho Chamacoco have only been reported in Paraguay
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Chamacoco are an indigenous group native to Paraguay. They are broken into two subgroups: the river-residing Ebytoso (AKA, Yshyr), and the forest-dwelling Tomaraho. The Tomaraho have protected their traditional way of life by living in isolated locations. Prior to the 1970s, both Chamacoco groups were stereotyped as a hostile and secluded people.

During the Chaco War (1932-1935), they sided with Paraguayan soldiers in the fight against the Bolivians. When the war ended, they lost their territories and had to negotiate their ethnic survival with Paraguayan settlers and new landowners. Meanwhile, many suffered from debt slavery in logging camps, where their population declined. In the 1980s, the Chamacoco peoples were resettled away from their tribal lands.

In Paraguay they inhabit the Alto Paraguay department along the coast of the Paraguay River, along with small groups that have migrated to other departments. The Ybytoso speak Yshyr while the Tomaraho have a different dialect.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Today, the Tomaraho Chamacoco people are fading in both population and culture. The natural resources in their homeland are quickly diminishing, and they are not adjusting well to the new situation. It’s very possible the Tomaraho Chamacoco will disappear. Young people migrate to the cities of Paraguay, abandoning their customs and often denying their origin to avoid being looked down upon.

Their original language, Yshyr, is endangered. Those who speak this language precariously subsists through farming, hunting, fishing and collecting honey and caranda palms. They also obtain income from making handicrafts.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Traditional spiritual beliefs were heavily influenced by the Tomaraho Chamacoco mythology. One such story is the “Big Myth,” which tells of the people’s origin. In this myth, the gods, known as “ahnapzöro,” dwelt among men until mankind’s rebellion. One god, Nemur, created the Paraguay River to separate himself from men.

An additional spiritual belief is the tradition of the “balut.” The balut functioned as spokespeople for animals, enforcing hunting limits.


What Are Their Needs?

The the Tomaraho Chamacoco need to put Christ first in their lives. Their faith is divided between Jesus Christ and the spirit world.


Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide the translation of the Bible, and may God provide resources to complete it as soon as possible.
Pray for spiritual growth in established churches.
Pray that there be a clear understanding of the gospel message among the people who do not know Christ.
Pray for the youth to have interest in spiritual matters, drawing them to Jesus Christ.


Scripture Prayers for the Chamacoco, Tomaraho in Paraguay.


References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamacoco
Samaritan’s Purse


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Chamacoco, Tomaraho
People Name in Country Chamacoco, Tomaraho
Natural Name Tomaraho Chamacoco
Alternate Names Bahia Negra Chamacoco; Bravo Chamacoco; Ishiro; lshir; Vshvro
Population this Country 1,800
Population all Countries 1,800
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group No
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
PeopleID3 11296
ROP3 Code 101987
Country Paraguay
Region America, Latin
Continent South America
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Alto Paraguay department: (Tomárãho) Pitiantuta and Puerto María Elena, (Ybytoso) Inihta, Karchabalut, Misión Santa Teresita, Puerto Caballo, Puerto Diana, Puerto Esperanza.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Paraguay
Region America, Latin
Continent South America
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Alto Paraguay department: (Tomárãho) Pitiantuta and Puerto María Elena, (Ybytoso) Inihta, Karchabalut, Misión Santa Teresita, Puerto Caballo, Puerto Diana, Puerto Esperanza..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016

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Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 2.00 %)
3.00 %
Ethnic Religions
97.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Chamacoco (1,800 speakers)
Language Code ceg   Ethnologue Listing
Primary Dialect Chamacoco Tamaraho
Dialect Code 8694   Global Recordings Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Chamacoco (1,800 speakers)
Language Code ceg   Ethnologue Listing
Primary Dialect Chamacoco Tamaraho
Dialect Code 8694   Global Recordings Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Chamacoco

Primary Language:  Chamacoco

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1992-1995)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (2000-2001)
Bible-Complete No
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Film / Video LUMO film of Gospels Bible Media Group/LUMO
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Scripture Earth Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
Mobile App Download audio Bible app as APK file Faith Comes by Hearing
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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