91-Year-Old Venezuelan Weaver Margarita Mora Keeps Ancient Traditions Alive

Margarita Mora, a 91-year-old weaver from Mucuchies in the Andes of Venezuela, has dedicated her life to preserving traditional weaving techniques from Indigenous and Spanish cultures. Her weaving journey started at just 5 years old when she delivered wool spun by her mother to a local weaver in Mitivivó, where she first saw a loom. Initially, she crafted her own clothing and footwear, later selling her pieces in her small mountain village. While the world has shifted to electric machines, Mora remains committed to handweaving. She gained fame as a teacher at the Moconoque School of Trade, Arts and Crafts. In 2008, her photo appeared on a billboard in Mérida alongside Hugo Chávez. She's also received several honorary degrees.