An Account of the Abipones, an Equestrian People of Paraguay, (2 of 3)

by Martin Dobrizhoffer

"An Account of the Abipones, an Equestrian People of Paraguay," by Martin Dobrizhoffer is a historical account written in the early 19th century. This work provides a detailed description of the Abipones, an indigenous equestrian tribe of Paraguay, blending ethnographic observations with the author's experiences as a missionary among them. The book delves into their customs, beliefs, societal structures, and interactions with neighboring tribes and colonizers. The opening of the account introduces the geographic context of the Abipones, explaining their migratory lifestyle in the province of Chaco and the lack of fixed abodes due to constant threats from enemies. Dobrizhoffer outlines their territory, origins, and the names by which they are known, while contemplating theories regarding their ancestry and physical attributes. He presents intriguing insights about their social behavior, focus on survival, and interpretations of their identity relative to neighboring tribes and the impact of European colonization on their existence.