Wednesday, February 17, 2010

The Things I see ...

 Paraguayan ñandutí



 I have read a couple of different versions of this folk tale but prefer the following which was written   by fellow missionary , Shilo Cain.

Two young men loved the Cacique's (Chief's) daughter. While he alone determined her destiny, he loved his daughter and desired her happiness. He devised a contest that would be sure to show which young man would be best suited to marry his daughter. Each one must bring a gift. But not just any gift. A unique gift. One that would cause the Cacique to release his daughter to marriage.

One young man was very rich, and there was nothing he could not buy. He gathered every kind of animal and prepared them to be taken to the Cacique.

But the other young man was beyond poor (you knew it would be so, surely). He had nothing, and no way to buy anything for his beloved. As he wandered through the woods, he looked up and saw an elaborate spider web hanging from a branch. He thought to himself, "How perfect! I will take this as my gift!" But as he reached up to grab it, it dissolved in his hands. He left the forest weeping, completely defeated.

His mother heard his cries and found him. As he poured out his dilemma, she assured him that all would be well. She found another spider web and sat down to mimic it's pattern and create her own beautiful web. Using the hair from her own head, a stunning salt and pepper, she weaved the first ñandutí.

When the poor young man presented his gift, the Cacique gave his daughter to him. Since that day women all over Paraguay have been creating ñandutíi out of lovely colored thread.


14 comments:

Linda said...

How beautiful!

Shilo said...

Is the model your daughter? Beautiful!

Eddie Buford said...

Very interesting story. Those pics are a very good addition to the story also. Thanks and God Bless!

Rosie said...

Ñandutí is even more beautiful in person than in the pics! It is one of the most beautiful weavings I´ve ever seen

Betty W said...

I love this story too. Shilo told it great. You daughter is so beautiful in her dress!

Debbie said...

Incredible. I love the story and the work.

Brenda said...

I love that story! Pretty pictures too.

Kathy said...

Yes, I like this story too! You've got some great pictures, and as you know, I love Jayde's dress! She looks so cute!

Anonymous said...

That's a good story. I like the Brer Rabbit stories by Uncle Remus.

firepig said...

Beautiful.I love to hear about the culture of Paraguay.It is one country I have trouble picturing.

MightyMom said...

I love that lace...it's so beautiful.

J.H said...

is that your daugther wearing blue nanduti? Beautiful!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow....My name is Clara and I was born in PY but never heard this story, I love Nianduty, I have lots around my house here in in the States. I would love to own that dress someday. I have used my collections in many Mission Conferences. Amazing and what a romantic story, Thank you for sharing it.

Anonymous said...

What a romantic story, love it. I grew up in PY and never heard of this story. I saw your blog throught Brenda Boston's and I I read it and I just love your post, what a blessing to have people as you serving the Lord in a Country that is sooo close to my heart.
I would love to get your Mission updates, my email is mrparaguay@gmail.com, let me know how I can pray. Beendiciones