Bertha Servín Barrifa: Purépecha Artisan
Bertha Servín Barrifa, originally from Santa Cruz in the municipality of Tzintzuntzan, resides in Santa Cruz and has been working for many years in the Casa de los Once Patios workshop.
Becoming an Artisan
Since the age of 14, Bertha has dedicated herself to artisan work to preserve Purépecha stories, embroidering them on canvas so they could be transported without risk of damage. Her grandmother taught her the different stitches and necessary techniques.
Motivations and Significance of Being an Artisan
Bertha takes great pride in being one of the pioneers in her craft, sharing her knowledge with the entire community. For her, being an artisan means preserving the beautiful stories and traditions of the Purépecha culture, keeping the tales of her heritage alive.
Learning and Techniques
She learned the artisan techniques from her grandmother, who taught her stitches such as cross-stitch and rococo. Over time, Bertha and her family refined these techniques, carefully selecting the colors and patterns for their embroideries.
Dreams and Goals
Bertha has been recognized both nationally and internationally in various competitions. She is a member of a cooperative where she teaches 28 women. Her main goal is to ensure that the beautiful stories and traditions of the Purépecha people are not lost, following the legacy of "Tata Vasco de Quiroga."
Inspiration and Motivation
"I would like to motivate the group to move forward, to be recognized, and for them and all tourists to visit us. I want people to see the wonderful things that can be created with a needle, thread, a piece of fabric, and an open mind," says Bertha.
Participation in Womens Magic Hands
Bertha participates in Womens Magic Hands with the hope that people in other countries will see and appreciate her work. "It is a wonderful message, and it is a message that those who come and see our creations take with them," Bertha expresses.
