New insights into the use, chronology and nautical performance of dugout canoes from the central basin of the La Plata River in Paraguay

This paper focuses on the study of dugout canoes and Indigenous navigation in Paraguay, considering the vast hydrographic potential provided by the country’s two main rivers, the Paraná and the Paraguay, in addition to numerous tributaries, rivers, and streams that run throughout the territory. The recording and study of five dugout canoes from Paraguay, of both ethnographic and archaeological origin, were carried out. The nautical characteristics of the canoes have been identified, and samples were taken to determine the species of wood used. In addition, new radiocarbon dating has been carried out to explore the chronology associated with their manufacture and use. This work seeks to study these canoes considering their context of origin, materiality, and cultural role. The results contribute to a better understanding of the navigation systems of the central basin of the La Plata River and consideration of the transformation of practices, worldviews, and cultural traits associated with traditional nautical practices in Paraguay.