Qom
The only Paraguayan people of the Guaycuru family, with communities such as Santa Rosa in Cerrito, and totora and palm basketry.
What it is
The Qom (also called Toba Qom) are the only people in the country of the Guaycuru family. According to the INE's 2022 Indigenous Census, most live in communities in Presidente Hayes, including eight in the Cerrito area of the Benjamín Aceval district, with a significant population in San Pedro (about 274 people). They are not the same people as the Toba Maskoy, who speak a language of another family.
Culture
The Santa Rosa community in Cerrito brings together about 27 women artisans who weave totora and karanda'y and make seed necklaces; in 2021 they opened their Casa de las Artesanas with support from Conamuri and the IPA. Beyond the community, they sell at fairs in Asunción. 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
Presidente Hayes, San Pedro
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.