Paraguay
The Block
This block features traditional ñandutí lace backed with complementary coloured fabric to enhance the delicate threads of the design. Perhaps the most famous and recognizable of Paraguay’s folk arts, this unique ñandutí, meaning spider web, is thought to represent a combination of 16th century needlepoint lace-making techniques from Europe with Guarani (original inhabitants) traditions. The structure, which is usually made on a small, circular cushion, is characterized by spider-web effects woven of single threads arranged into spider wheels and then woven together.
Creating this style of lace can be a time-consuming process and a large piece, such as a wedding veil, may take up to a year to complete. Very fine laces are often used as dress trimmings while the coarser weaves are used in fancy work. Traditional ñandutí is worked in white thread, although for this piece blockmaker, Maria Aguirre, has incorporated multiple colours to fully bring out the design.
Cultural Profile
Paraguay, which means ‘the place of the great river’, is a small subtropical, landlocked country located in central South America. The Rió Paraguay, the third largest river in the western hemisphere, divides the nation into two distinct regions: the fertile fields and lush forests of the east, and the dry scrub forest and swamps of the plains of the Chaco. Paraguay is the site of the world’s second largest hydroelectric dam, one of three such dams along the Paraná River, making Paraguay one of the leading exporters of electricity in the world. It is also home to the palo borracho, the unique ‘bottle tree,’ which has a bulbous trunk that conserves water during dry weather.
The original inhabitants of Paraguay were several indigenous groups of Indians, the largest of which was the semi-nomadic Guaraní. Colonies of Spaniards developed over the years and today the population is comprised mainly of mestizo (mixed Spanish and Amerindian). The two official languages are Guaraní and Spanish. Guarani is understood by over 95% of the population in Paraguay, meaning that not only indigenous people in the country speak it, but also a majority of non-indigenous Paraguayans as well, a rarity for an indigenous language. For most Paraguayans, family and kin are the main focus of their loyalty and identity. Godparents, in particular, play an important role in the lives of their godchildren.
Paraguayan culture is a blend of Guaranian and Spanish elements, which is reflected in the folklore, art and literature. Themes are often inspired by historical events and social issues, as well as by daily life and the local landscape. In addition to ñandutí lace, other time-honoured crafts include aó po’í, exquisitely hand-embroidered, homespun cotton cloth used for blouses, shirts, and tablecloths. Leather- and silver-work, weaving, ceramics, knitted hamacas (hammocks), and iron and woodwork used to create decorative balconies, doorknobs, chandeliers, and religious ornaments are also crafts done in the country.
Music and dance are important parts of Paraguayan life and, like other artistic tradition, the art of producing harps and guitars, the country’s most popular instruments, from fine native woods is passed down from one generation to the next. The most famous folk dance of Paraguay is the ‘bottle dance,’ in which a female dancer performs while balancing one or more water-filled bottles on her head.
Paraguayans coming to Canada have been listed on immigration records since 1974, the year individual countries began to be recorded instead of being grouped under regional designations. The 2011 census indicates that there are now over 3,000 Paraguayans living here.
Sponsor: St. John’s Women of the Church, Cornwall