# Ancestral Poncho Gift for Pope Leo XIV A Cordovan artisan crafts a symbolic textile for the upcoming papal visit. - **Source:** [Perfil](https://www.perfil.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-06 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/83a2b14c-9d65-4751-88b6-97cff96aebce ## Papal Visit Preparations Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to visit Argentina from November 8 to November 11. During this four-day apostolic journey, the Pontiff will travel through Buenos Aires, Luján, and Córdoba. In the province of Córdoba, local authorities have prepared a unique, symbolic gift to honor the Pope's arrival in the region. ## Artisan Selection Process The gift is an ancestral poncho created by Erick Rojas, a member of the La Unión Indigenous Community. Residing in the Santa Teresita area of the Pocho department, Rojas was selected for his expertise in preserving ancient textile traditions. Governor Martín Llaryora chose this specific piece to represent Cordovan cultural identity. ## Origin of the Commission The collaboration began after Governor Llaryora met Rojas during a visit to Villa de Pocho. The artisan presented a hand-woven poncho, explaining the deep symbolism behind its patterns and colors. Impressed by the craftsmanship, the Governor commissioned a special piece for the Pope, with planning for the design starting in July. ## Traditional Production Methods The creation process is meticulous, involving sheep wool that must be prepared and spun into thread by hand. This labor-intensive craft relies on techniques passed down through generations within the Pocho and San Alberto departments. Every stage of the production requires significant patience and a deep understanding of the raw materials. ## Natural Dyeing Techniques The poncho features colors derived from native vegetation found in the region. Artisans use chilca for orange tones, suico for yellow hues, and piquillín trunks for additional colors. These natural pigments complement the inherent shades of the fibers, which include white, gray, black, and brown, ensuring a completely organic and traditional aesthetic. ## Symbolism in Design The patterns and borders woven into the poncho are not random; they serve as a visual narrative of the local landscape. Motifs represent the hills, rivers, and historical elements of the northwest Cordoba territory. Each design choice is intended to reflect the specific identity and heritage of the region's indigenous communities. ## Preserving Collective Memory Erick Rojas represents a long lineage of weavers who maintain the cultural memory of their ancestors. By utilizing traditional looms and ancient methods, these artisans ensure that their community's history remains vibrant. This gift serves as a bridge between the local indigenous heritage and the global significance of the papal visit. ## Cultural Significance of Gift The poncho stands as a testament to the endurance of regional craftsmanship in modern times. By presenting this item, the province highlights its commitment to preserving indigenous knowledge. It transforms a functional textile into a diplomatic gesture, showcasing the artistic depth and historical continuity found within the sierras of Córdoba province. ## Sources covering this story - https://perfil.com/entretenimiento/asi-es-el-poncho-ancestral-que-le-regalaran-al-papa-leon-xiv-quien-es-el-artesano-cordobes-que-lo-tejio-aRZRN0F3Wt6L — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._