A traditional wooden ox cart in Loma Plata, Boquerón Department, located in the western Chaco region of Paraguay, has been officially certified by Guinness World Records. This massive structure measures 15.9 meters in length, 6.4 meters in width, and 6.9 meters in height, and is situated on the farmland of local resident Wilbert Sawatzky's family. This record achievement serves as an opportunity to showcase the Chaco region's rich history and exceptional woodworking craftsmanship to the world.

The ox cart production project began when Sawatzky commissioned local craftsman Silvio Grance Morilla to build 65 traditional wooden carts. Grance, a craftsman operating in Paso Urunde'y near Belén 5 in Concepción Department, conceptualized an oversized ox cart that far exceeded standard specifications upon accepting the commission. The completed giant structure boasts an overwhelming scale while perfectly maintaining proportional circular geometry and unique design characteristics.

The wood used in its construction is lapacho, a hardwood native to South America. This wood is widely utilized in local traditional furniture and woodworking due to its exceptional strength and durability. Preparing the individual parts alone took about two years at Grance's workshop, after which he traveled to the Chaco with a team of 8 collaborators and completed the final assembly in just 10 days.

The official verification took place at Rancho Tucán in the Chaco region. Engineers used calibrated digital equipment for precision measurements, with Guinness World Records judges and independent witnesses present to ensure fairness. This achievement highlights the hard work of artisans in northern Paraguay while placing the Chaco on the global stage of records.

Historically, the ox cart was an essential transportation means for moving goods and commodities in Paraguayan rural society before modern vehicles became widespread. The wooden body and unique wheel shape are symbols of traditional Paraguayan craftsmanship. Beyond functioning merely as a tool of transportation, this newly crafted ox cart is planned to serve as a core symbol for the upcoming 100th-anniversary celebration of the Mennonite immigrants settling in Colonia Menno, scheduled for June 2027. Through this massive woodworking art piece, the history and tradition of a local community that has overcome harsh environments for a century are being re-illuminated.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]