The guarani and spatial orientation

Abstract

This paper aims to address the experience of the Guarani-Kaiowá concerning their means of orientation in the jungle, and to briefly highlight some points of comparison with information collected by the missionaries, who came into contact with the Guarani during colonial times. Coexistence with nature has allowed the natives to orient themselves within their surrounding environment, the rain forest. In the past, they crossed vast territories, moving freely without being impeded by any man-made barrier; quite differently from now, for the numerous natives of both Mato Grosso do Sul and Paraguay. They could find their way perfectly while always respecting nature. The dynamics of the wind Yvytu enabled them to orientate themselves in the jungle; Yvytu oipejuveha koty, is the prevailing wind. The other reliable means of guidance is the sun, Kuarahy pyti’a or Kuarahy Semba, for finding the east; Kuarahy reike, for finding the west. To move through the bush, they left marks by cutting plant branches, to serve as signs which showed the way to return home. Skills that our society, considered modern, do not understand or simply do not recall. Such incomparable orientation skills, that the natives still possess today, compel us to consider the importance of preserving natural reserves and to bear in mind that they are presently immersed in a constant struggle as they try to curb deforestation. They are the people who have inhabited these areas the longest and that have always prioritized the balanced use of natural resources. For example, to plant and harvest they use a lunar calendar. Consequently, the division of time is based on the phases of the moon, jasy ra’y, new moon; jasy renyhẽ, full moon.