Handcrafted objects
Paraguayan handicrafts are of good quality and prices remain very affordable in general. The only drawback may be the clutter of some pieces, if you continue your journey. A harp for example! Traditionally, a distinction is made between indigenous handicrafts, especially from the Chaco, and popular handicrafts from the Hispano-Guarani mix, made in the eastern region.
Indigenous crafts are varied. Each ethnic group uses ancestral techniques and natural materials from its region. In the Chaco, most communities use tacuarembó, pindó and karaguatá fibres to make baskets and bags. There are also carvings made of palo santo, guayacán, karanda'y, or cedar wood, which most often represent zoomorphic figures (yacarés, jaguars, armadillos...). The Indians also make traditional masks and benches with strong symbolism, the apyká. Finally, ceramics, produced since time immemorial, are more functional than decorative (funerary urns, or vessels for culinary use), but craftsmen are increasingly adapting to Western tastes. The Museo del Barro in Asunción and the Museo Guido Boggiani in San Lorenzo (Gran Asunción) display beautiful indigenous handicrafts, sold in a spirit of fair trade.
As for popular crafts, they have been developed since the beginning of the colonial period. Beautiful ceramics fired with tatakuá canbe found in the surroundings of the capital, such as in the village of Itá. Naturalist forms are dominant, but more and more artists are incorporating popular myths into their creations. Some pieces have become famous and can be found everywhere, such as the groseritos by the artist Rosa Brítez (1941-2017), made in the family workshop in Itá (Taller de Artesanía Doña Brítez), or thegallinitas dela suerte(little lucky hens), created by the artist Marciana Rojas (1928-2018). In Areguá, ceramics are more of western and functional inspiration (vases, cribs, flowerpots...), but there are also more original works that can be found in the El Cántaro gallery, for example. Leather articles (bags, wallets, belts...) can make nice gifts too. They are made in Itauguá, San Miguel, Atyra, or Tobatí. If you go through Limpio, treat yourself to the famous sombrero pirí, the typical peasant hat. As for woodwork, masks of mythological characters are made in Altos, while in Capiatá, Tobatí, or Yaguarón, the santeros continue to carve religious icons as in the time of the missions. The city of Luque is famous for its luthiers (especially guitar and harp makers), but also for the production of filigree, gold and silver jewellery. On the weaving side, the traditional poncho " Para'i de 60 listas ",is made in Piribebuy, entirely by hand with ancestral techniques. It is made with great finesse and requires days of work, hence its high price. Paraguay also produces hammocks, ponchos and blankets made of sheep's wool on the San Miguel side. Finally, of course, you won't miss the famous "spider's webs", the extremely fine ñanduti laces, made with a needle using a web stretched on a wooden support. Traditionally white, ñanduti of all colours are found today. The motifs are geometric or inspired by nature (butterflies, birds, flowers...). They are made into clothes, household linen, or wedding dresses. These local adaptations of Tenerife lace, with motifs from the Guaraní culture, are made in the vicinity of Itauguá.
To learn more about Paraguayan handicrafts, the IPA (Instituto Paraguayo de Artesanía) has an interesting site: ww.artesania.gov.py
Shirt or T-shirt
If you arrive in Paraguay in the summer, treat yourself immediately to some ao po'i ("fine clothing" in Guarani). This traditional cotton shirt is really pleasant to wear during hot days, because it is very light. It is an elegant garment, decorated with geometric or nature-inspired patterns. It has been made since the time of Dr. Francia in the village of Yataity, considered the cradle of theao po'i. Some pieces are nowadays made by machine, but many craftsmen still maintain the traditional handcrafting(hecho a mano). Theao po' i can also refer to napkins, placemats or other fabrics. Less traditional than theao po 'i, a T-shirt(camiseta) with red and white stripes from the Albirroja, the Paraguayan football team, will allow you to integrate immediately with the Paraguayans! As for the expats, they will have to choose their clan: Olimpia or Cerro Porteno! The streets of Asunción also feature original T-shirts with motifs taken from Paraguayan folklore (tereré, mitos, humorous messages in Guarani, etc.).
Weed and rum!
Those who will have enjoyed their tereré or mate sessions will be happy to get all the necessary material: thermos engraved with his first name, bombilla, gourd, and of course a packet of yerba mate. There is also mate cocido in a bag to be infused. As for yuyos, these medicinal plants that are infused in the water of the tereré, get a beautiful wooden mortar of palo santo, or bags to infuse (if you can't take the fresh herbs with you). You can find a wide variety in supermarkets. Herbs soothe the most common ailments, with very exotic names to impress your grandmother: jaguarete ka'a, yate'i ka'a, hurusu he'e, kapi'i katî, batatilla ykokû... Not always very tasty, but let's go for it! And to bring a little sweetness to the yuyos, too bitter, stevia(ka'a he'ẽ) will do very well. In powder or liquid form, it can be found in all grocery stores. Finally, even if the country is not known for its rum, the amateurs will prefer a bottle of Fortín, El Supremo, Jules Verne, or Papagayo.
