During the colonial ages (xvi-xviii cent.) the Chiriguano people (self-designated as Guarani people) became the main obstacle for the Spanish colonization in the region of the Bolivian Chaco. Before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, they occupied the headwaters of Pilcomayo and Guapay rivers. The Chiriguano border with the Spanish region of Charcas, which belonged to the Viceroyalty of Peru until 1776, was known as the Chiriguano mountain range.

The resistance of these people was initially shown in isolated battles carried out by some Captaincies or zones. This changed as from the 18th century when several Captaincies organized a coalition and the uprisings, already of a general nature, brought together several areas against the common enemy: the Karai (white people). 

By the end of the 18th century, the uprisings became messianic-like, since as of 1778, the Chiriguano uprisings were led by the tumpas, “Divine Emissaries” of the Tupi-Guarani tradition.  On 6 August 1825, the independence of Bolivia was declared. However, the occupation of indigenous lands by the Karai continued. Also, the Franciscan Missionaries (who had been expelled in 1813) returned and extended their action area towards the south of Pilcomayo river.

In 1891, the conflicts in Ivo and Cuevo Districts worsened. The rape and murder of a young Guarani woman by the Karai Mayor of Cuevo in January 1892 was the incident that triggered the final uprising. Attacks to livestock premises occurred throughout the whole month, as well as an attempt to take the mission of Santa Rosa de Cuevo. Several Captaincies got together to fight under the leadership of Apiaguaiqui, while others remained neutral or even supported the repression of the movement. 

After the arrival of the Bolivian Army to the Districts of Ivo and Cuevo, the Chiriguano people who had carried out the uprising barricaded themselves in the Kuruyuki community where they finally fought against the military troops of General Ramón González, Prefect of Santa Cruz, on 28 January 1892. 

Almost a thousand Chiriguano people died in the battle. The Tumpa Apiaguaiqui was later imprisoned and executed in Sauces on 29 March 1892. 

From December 1891 to March 1892, more than 6,000 Chiriguano people died in different conflicts (the take of Santa Rosa Mission, the Battle of Kuruyuki and the persecution of fugitives).