The Guarani Indians are not the original natives of this region, even though there are studies which reveal their presence already by the time of the European colonization. The migration of the Guaranis to the coastal area near Paraty was supposedly due to a legend that there would an "evil free land" linked to the sea.
In the southern part of the State of Rio de Janeiro, they occupy an area from Araponga, approximately the location of Patrimonio in Paraty as far as Bracuhy in Angra dos Reis, in the Atlantic Forest.
There are some Indian settlements spread around the municipality of Paraty, and the closest Indian village is located by the road leading down to Paraty-Mirim, an area protected by FUNAI (Federal Foundation for the Indian).
The Guaranis are farmers, cultivating mainly corn, sweet potatoes, manioc root, matte tea, etc.
Spirituality is ever present in their daily chores, but it is mainly expressed through music. Their instruments: flute, percussion, etc, help transmit their beliefs and convey the sounds of the forest, such as bird songs.
However, the guarani Indians are extremely silent. They talk absolutely minimum, but their words are rich in images and expression. It is through their native language, with their legends, beliefs, music and expressions that it is possible to preserve their ancient knowledge. Their music represents a valuable part of their culture and is a manifestation of their spiritual refinement.
All their handicraft shows the esthetic concern to portray the forest and its living beings. Thus we can see that their weaving and basketry repeat the patterns of snake skins, leopards and others; shapes of animals are frequently represented in wood or clay objects.
