History of the Paraguayan Harp

One item that has great cultural tradition in the country of Paraguay is the Paraguayan harp. Not only does it represent the nation and its time-honored musical history, but it also characterizes the ideals that further a communal notion of unity. The Paraguayan harp is a hallmark of pride in their country, historical remembrance, folk tradition, and Guarani-Spanish past. The rhythms, lyrics, and song titles connected with the instrument and its music induce feelings of endearment for Paraguay’s national heritage. With the promotion of traditional music festivals, instruction in conservatories and schools, and promotion of the harp and traditional Paraguayan music through television and radio broadcasts, the Paraguayan harp has become one of the most celebrated Latin American folk traditions. One of the most notable Paraguayan harpists was Felix Perez Cardozo. His international music career in the 1930s and 1940s aided in the advancement of the instrument and the folk music of Paraguay. Today, hundreds of professional Paraguayan harpists perform throughout the world, and thousands of non-Paraguayan harpists have begun to take up the instrument and its unique style of music.

            The Paraguayan harp has an extensive history dating back to the 16^th century when Spanish explorer Cardozo Ocampo, who was a harpist, visited the country. Throughout the 17^th and 18^th centuries, Jesuit missionaries used the harp while evangelizing the native Guarani Indians and taught many of the natives how to play the instrument. After the exit of the Jesuits at the end of the 18^th century, several mission Indians kept their learned skill and gathered in towns and contributed to the colonial mixing that resulted in the current Paraguayan people. Many of the Guarani Indians became skilled craftsmen and instrument makers and developed the Paraguayan harp based on the harp used by the Europeans and Jesuits. The harp continues to be made today and remains a great cultural tradition in the country of Paraguay.