In precolonial Paraguay, Native People handcrafted a garment called the poncho, weaving natural materials with distinctive techniques passed down through generations.
Specifically, the 60-stripe poncho‘s (Para’í) meaning was forever altered during the 1860s war. Beyond its practical use for warmth and concealment by Paraguayan fighters, it emerged as an enduring national symbol of resilience and survival against overwhelming odds.
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In 2023, UNESCO formally recognized the ancestral techniques behind this poncho, inscribing them on its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.
This critical status has unlocked international support for its preservation, including a 2025 project that provided artisans with high-quality Peruvian cotton thread.
Currently, tests are also being conducted in Paraguay to develop a locally produced thread that meets the standards of the master weavers and ensures the long-term sustainability of the craft.
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