Tobati

About

Upon entering the town of Tobati, visitors are welcomed by three massive stone faces that have been skillfully carved into the cliffside. These particular Guaraní residents have long since passed but their story still prevails. They are believed to be the first settlers in the area and tell a tale of an indigenous town overtaken by Jesuit missionaries. The Jesuit influence is seen in the many Jesuit-Guarani statues and works of art. Today, Tobati is renowned throughout Paraguay for its woodworking, ceramics and sculptures. The main church in Tobati contains a wooden relic of the Virgin Mary said to be carved by a Guarani convert to Christianity who was pursued for his conversion. He was to be put to death when caught, but as he prayed to the Holy Mother, his pursuers overlooked him so he carved the statue to glorify her for her protection