Sanapana in Paraguay

People Name:	Sanapana
Country:	Paraguay
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	2,800
World Population:	2,800
Primary Language:	Sanapana
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	18.00 %
Evangelicals:	4.00 %
Scripture:	Portions
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South American Indigenous
Affinity Bloc:	Latin-Caribbean Americans
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Grand Chaco in Western Paraguay is the homeland of the Sanapana people. Specifically, they live mainly in the department of Presidente Hayes. Along with several other nomadic peoples, the Sanapana have had close contact with German Mennonites. Their current language is a blend of the Sanapana language mixed with Spanish and Low German, the language of the Mennonite community they encountered starting in the 1930s.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They worked in the tanneries. When the tanneries were closed, the Sanapaná dispersed to private ranches in the Mennonite area and to the religious missions, where they worked in agriculture in the settlements of the Anglican mission and in the communities of Riacho Mosquito. Community cattle raising is another of the activities of the Sanapaná.

The women are dedicated to pottery and the production of bags, blankets, hammocks and ponchos.

They make their own musical instruments, including flutes, drums and samuú violins.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They believe in several gods, but the influence of the Catholic and Mennonite churches persists, depending on the different communities. For the Sanapaná, singing, music and dance are very important in their festivities and artistic manifestations. The masks and disguises are used in the celebrations of feminine initiation.

What Are Their Needs?

The Sanapana need both evangelistic and discipleship tools in a language they can understand. Ideally these would be in oral form since some are unable to read.

Prayer Points

May the translated word that is alive and effective bear abundant fruit that endures.
May it bring light and may they be renewed in the spirit of their minds, may there be a change in their mentality.
Pray they may know the truth and be free from all ties, from their beliefs that are not in accordance with the word of God and the ancestral spirits.
Pray that there be interest in spiritual things among the young.
Pray for a missionary team that maintains a high sensitivity to the culture and language of the people.