Ayoreo

Who are the Ayoreo?

The Ayoreo are an Indigenous people of the Gran Chaco, a vast dry forest region spanning Paraguay and Bolivia. Traditionally, they are nomadic hunter-gatherers, organized into clans and local groups, each with its own identity. Their connection to their territory, called Eami, is central to their culture. Despite pressures to settle and assimilate, some Ayoreo remain in voluntary isolation, maintaining their traditional ways. The Ayoreo are held together by shared language, kinship, and a deep attachment to their land and customs.

Where do the Ayoreo live?

Ayoreo territory stretches across the Gran Chaco, a semi-arid lowland plain bordered by the Paraguay, Pilcomayo, Parapetí, and Grande Rivers. This landscape is a mosaic of dry forests, savannas, and seasonal wetlands. The region is rich in wildlife and plant life, supporting the Ayoreo's traditional foraging and small-scale farming. Today, much of their land is threatened by cattle ranching, deforestation, and resource extraction.

What language do the Ayoreo speak?

The Ayoreo speak the Ayoreo language, part of the Zamucoan family, found only in Paraguay and Bolivia. A grammar and dictionary exist, and about 20% of Ayoreo people are literate in their language. Spanish is also spoken, especially among those living in settled communities. Some dialects, such as Tsiracua, are still used.

How do the Ayoreo live?

Traditionally, the Ayoreo are nomadic hunter-gatherers, hunting animals like anteaters, pigs, tortoises, and monkeys, and gathering honey and wild foods. In the rainy season, they plant small gardens with crops such as corn, beans, and squash. Today, many Ayoreo in contact with wider society live in settlements and work as day laborers or in low-wage jobs. Their houses are often built from mud and cane, and living conditions can be poor, especially in urban areas.

How is Ayoreo society organised?

Ayoreo society is organized into clans, each associated with a family name. Chiefs, called asutes, are men chosen for their hunting or leadership skills. The Ayoreo are mostly monogamous, and both men and women can become shamans. Traditionally, over 50 autonomous local groups existed, each with its own territory and identity. Decisions are made within clans and local groups, and music and storytelling play important roles in passing down knowledge.

What do the Ayoreo believe?

The Ayoreo practice a form of shamanism, with shamans (disdain) of either gender playing key spiritual roles. Their traditional beliefs are closely tied to the land and natural world. Music is central to Ayoreo culture, with songs and rituals passed down through generations. Since contact, many have also adopted Christianity, often under pressure from missionaries, leading to a blending or loss of some traditional practices.

The history of the Ayoreo

The Ayoreo first encountered outsiders in the 1720s through Jesuit missions, but were largely left alone until the 20th century. The Chaco War (1932–1935) brought military conflict and disease to their territory. From the 1940s, missionaries and settlers forced many Ayoreo to leave their lands, settle in mission stations, and abandon their culture. Deforestation and land sales further reduced their territory. Some Ayoreo remain uncontacted, resisting outside influence, but face ongoing threats from ranching, oil exploration, and illegal land sales.

Ayoreo life today

Today, most Ayoreo live in Paraguay and Bolivia, with a population around 5,600. Many face poverty, discrimination, and poor living conditions. Some Ayoreo, especially youth, seek education and wage work, but opportunities are limited. A small number of Ayoreo groups remain in voluntary isolation, the only such groups in South America outside the Amazon, but their land is under constant threat from deforestation and resource extraction. Ayoreo organizations work to defend their rights and territory.

Questions people ask about the Ayoreo

Sources and further reading

• Ayoreo on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Ayoreo themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.