Mercedes Sierra is one of the talented Wayuu artisans who weaves mochilas for CARIBIA. She is the daughter of Mrs. Yoneida Pushaina, a community leader and artisan herself.

Mercedes Sierra, 27 years old, lives in Villa Fátima, a coastal neighborhood of Riohacha overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Its unpaved streets are lined with houses with wide patios where families hang their hammocks, drink coffee at dawn, and share stories in the sea breeze. Many of its inhabitants are Wayuu Indigenous people and fishermen who live from what the sea and tradition provide. In this calm environment, deeply connected to nature, Mercedes carries out her craft. Since 2023, she has been part of the CARIBIA team, dedicating herself with care to the details that make each mochila stand out: the woven tassels, the meticulous correction of any imperfection in the weave, and the making of solid-color mochilas with a flawless finish. Mercedes comes from a deeply rooted Wayuu family tradition: her grandmother belongs to the Epinayú clan, one of the most recognized and respected clans of the Wayuu people. The Epinayú are known for their leadership in the community, their knowledge of traditions, and their role as guardians of ancestral wisdom, especially in weaving and cultural transmission. For Mercedes, this legacy is not only a source of pride but also a responsibility she honors in every mochila she creates. Although she masters the entire weaving process, her passion lies in perfecting the finishing touches, ensuring that each Wayuu mochila is unique, durable, and full of history. Mercedes’s work not only preserves the cultural identity of her people but also connects those who receive these pieces with a piece of the landscape and life of Villa Fátima.