Ishir Tomárãho
The smallest Indigenous people in Paraguay, from the interior of the Chaco, with a very rich ceremonial and mythological memory.
What it is
The Tomárãho are an Ishir group (of the Zamuco family) that lived in the interior of the Chaco forest and remained isolated until the 1970s. The 2022 census recorded them as a separate people, with 213 persons. Their situation is very sensitive: they are so few that every loss of territory or knowledge weighs heavily. According to the INE, almost all live in Alto Paraguay (209 of the 213 people).
Culture
The literature highlights that they kept ceremonies, mythology and shamanic knowledge; in their mythology appear the ahnapsoro, powerful beings who taught survival. That memory is not shared as a show: if you want to learn about it, do so through publications, museums and Indigenous organisations. If you want to approach their crafts, do so at the Instituto Paraguayo de Artesanía fairs or at the artisan houses the communities themselves open, and do not enter a community without an invitation and prior arrangement. To learn more, the Museo Etnográfico Dr. Andrés Barbero (Asunción) and the Centro de Artes Visuales / Museo del Barro, which holds an Indigenous art collection, are two starting points; check opening hours before you go.
Where they live
Alto Paraguay
If you visit a community, do so with permission from its leaders or through Indigenous organizations, and ask before taking photos.
Indigenous peoples
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 6 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.