Paĩ Tavyterã
A people of the north-east, related to the Kaiowá of Brazil, with about 39 communities in Amambay and neighbouring departments.
What it is
The Paĩ Tavyterã (Kaiowá in Brazil) live mostly in Amambay, in the districts of Pedro Juan Caballero, Bella Vista and Capitán Bado, and also in Concepción, San Pedro and Canindeyú. They are thought to descend from the Itatín Guaraní, who met the Jesuits in the 17th century. They are the fourth most numerous Indigenous people in the country.
Culture
They use urucú as body paint and make feather ornaments, including toucan feathers. According to the literature, men usually weave baskets and women make pottery; they also make necklaces of wood and coloured seeds. The Paĩ Reta Joaju association brings together communities of this people in several departments. 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
Amambay, Concepción, San Pedro, Canindeyú
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.