Charrua

Charrua, a large and warlike nation of South Brazil and Uruguay, formerly dominant between the Rio da Prata and the Mirim lagoon. They were gradually driven by the "Paulistas" (the enterprising white settlers in the province of St. Paul) from the open steppe country to the South Brazilian forests, where a few groups appear still to survive. The Charruas were specially noted for their extremely dark complexion, being described by early Portuguese writers as "black." They were very fierce and cruel, and displayed extraordinary skill in the use of the bow and sling.