The Mbayá are a tribe formerly ranging on both sides of the Paraguay River, on the north and northwestern Paraguay frontier, and in the adjacent portion of the province of Matto Grosso, Brazil. They have also been called Caduveo and Guaycuru, a name used generally of all the mounted Indians of Gran Chaco.

Culture

The Mbayá placed their heaven in the moon; and it was to the moon that their great heroes and sages went for a time after physical death, until they again returned to earth.

Among the Guaycurus of Paraguay

Paraguay

Paraguay , officially the Republic of Paraguay , is a landlocked country in South America. It is bordered by Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the east and northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest. Paraguay lies on both banks of the Paraguay River, which runs through the center of the...

, when a death had taken place, the chief used to change the name of every member of the tribe; and from that moment everybody remembered his new name just as if he had born it all his life.

They had a reputation as raiders of their Guaraní neighbours.

Today, Mbayá artisans are known for their necklaces, elaborate basketry, and woodcarvings.