Introduction / History

The Chamacoco are an indigenous group native to Paraguay. They are broken into two subgroups: the river-residing Ebytoso (Ybytoso) and the forest-dwelling Tomáraho. The Tomáraho have lived in isolation, so their way of life is more traditional. Prior to the 1970s, the Chamacoco were stereotyped as a hostile and secluded people.

During the Chaco War (1932-1935), the Ybytoso Chamacoco 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 Ybytoso Chamacoco 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 Ybytoso Chamacoco people are fading in both population and culture. Their diminishing natural habitat has made it nearly impossible to continue their traditional lifestyle. They have not adapted well. Young Ybytoso Chamacoco migrate to the cities of Paraguay, abandoning their customs and often denying their origin to avoid being scoffed at.

The Ybytoso Chamacoco original language, Yshyr, is endangered. Those who speak this language precariously subsists through farming, hunting, fishing and collecting honey and carandá palms. They also obtain income from making handicrafts. Dissident Ybytoso Chamacoco groups, known as "yacareceros", engage in the poaching of yacaré, a prohibited activity.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The river subgroup, the Ybytoso Chamacoco, were converted to Christianity by New Tribes missionaries, especially by 1985. Today, their spiritual beliefs are a blend of Christianity and tribal religion.

Traditional spiritual beliefs were heavily influenced by 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 Chamacoco need to put all their faith in Jesus Christ. As it stands, they are divided between the King of kings and traditional spirit beings.

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 for Christ followers to show the Ybytoso Chamacoco people new and constructive ways to make a living.
Pray for the youth to have interest in spiritual matters, drawing them to Jesus Christ.

Scripture Prayers for the Chamacoco, Ybytoso in Paraguay.

References

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