Guana in Paraguay

Introduction / History

Kaskiha is a language of Paraguay’s share of the Chaco region. Only a small number of people still speak this language. Guana is a generic term for a cluster of languages in this region. This language is in danger of being replaced by Spanish and Guarani.

They live in the department of Concepción. They are two groups of this People that inhabit the zones of Vallemí, to borders of the river Apa and the zone of Riacho Mosquito.

What Are Their Lives Like?

After the insertion in the tanneries of Upper Paraguay, the Guaná people lost their hunting and fishing techniques, as well as their way of cultivating the land, when they became salaried laborers.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Some of their festivals include Lalajtimai. This is the feast where they celebrate the buanambié ceremony, a puberty ritual. At this time, the boys make the transition to become men.

In this event, women and men are placed in front of each other, since the objective is to contemplate each other. Thus, each boy who participates in the celebration chooses the girl with whom he will marry, which is celebrated 15 days after this event. From that moment on, the new man participates in social and political activities, to which women do not have access.

What Are Their Needs?

The Kaskiha need to put their faith in Jesus Christ for their needs. He is Lord of lords, and he can take care of their needs.

Prayer Points

Pray that all may be drawn by the Father to Christ.
Pray for strong missionary teams.
Pray that the eyes of their understanding will be enlightened and drawn to the King of kings.
Pray that all the strongholds in their minds be broken and replaced with the knowledge of Christ.
May the power and deception of Satan be broken so they can be free to seek and find the Lord.

Text Source:   Joshua Project