Mora in Mora County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Curanderas — Women Who Heal

— New Mexico Historic Women Marker Initiative —

<i>Curanderas</i>—Women Who Heal Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, April 21, 2014

1. Curanderas—Women Who Heal Marker

Inscription. In New Mexico, women blessed with special knowledge of herbs, household remedies, human health and strong faith are trusted to cure real or imaged maladies. Known as Curanderas, these women have been an integral part of the Hispanic fabric in Mora County and in the remote communities around the state. They oversee the well-being of their respective villages where medical doctors and clinics are scarce.

Erected by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Hispanic Americans • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the New Mexico Women’s Historic Marker Initiative series list.

Location. 35° 58.56′ N, 105° 20.195′ W. Marker is in Mora, New Mexico, in Mora County. It is on State Road 518 just north of State Road 434, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mora NM 87732, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northern New Mexico.

It is also in the American

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Southwest,

in the Mountain West,

and on the Santa Fe Trail Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Dust Bowl,

and the Republic of Texas.

Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: St. Vrain Mill (approx. 0.4 miles away); La Cueva National Historic District (approx. 5.4 miles away); La Cueva Mill (approx. 5.4 miles away); Strike Valleys (approx. 12.2 miles away).

More about this marker. The New Mexico Historic Women Marker Initiative was founded in 2005 by members of the New Mexico Women’s Forum in a statewide effort to recognize women’s contributions to New Mexico history on the state’s Official Scenic Historic Markers. The Initiative ensures that women’s diverse histories will be remembered and told, and will inspire and provide a guide for future generations. The 2006 Legislature funded the project.

Also see . . . Wikipedia Entry for Curandera. “The curandero(a) is a traditional

Photographed by J. J. Prats, April 21, 2014

2. Curanderas—Women Who Heal Marker

Native American healer or shaman found in the United States and in Latin America. ... They are often respected members of the community. Literally translated as ‘healer’ from Spanish. Their powers are considered supernatural, as it is commonly believed that many illnesses are caused by lost malevolent spirits, a lesson from God, or curse. ... There are many different types of curanderos. ‘Yerberos’ are primarily herbalists. ‘Hueseros and Sobaderos’ are bone/muscle therapists who emphasize physical ailments. ‘Parteras’ are midwives. ‘Oracionistas’ work primarily through the power of prayer.” (Submitted on April 27, 2014.)

Reverse of the Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, April 21, 2014

3. Reverse of the Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2014, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,402 times since then and 34 times this year. Last updated on July 30, 2025, by Bill Wingate of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 27, 2014, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.