About "Hijos del Paraguay" and "Personas naturales inteligentes": an analysis of the reports about indigenous traditional knowledge and practices in <i>Paraguay Natural Ilustrado</i> of José Sánchez Labrador J. F. (1771-1776)

Abstract

In this article, we analyze the manuscript Paraguay Natural Ilustrado, written by Jesuit José Sánchez Labrador, between 1771 and 1776, during his exile in Ravenna, Italy. This work, whose original is at the Archivo Romanum Societatis Iesu, is divided in four tomes -Ground, Water and Air; Botany; Mammals, Birds and Fishes; Amphibians, Reptiles and Insects- and has not yet been published in its entirety. In it, other than perceptions about American nature and its usefulness and therapeutic properties, we find mentions to “Hijos del Paraguay” and “Personas naturales inteligentes”, as well as information regarding the knowledge and healing practices employed by native people of the vast region of the Província Jesuítica de Paraguay. It interests us, in particular, to highlight and analyze the descriptions Sánchez Labrador made about the natives as well as their traditional knowledge and therapeutic practices throughout the four tomes.