María Patrocinio Pimiento

Areagua

Weaver

©Artesanías de Colombia

The mamma bear of Curití’s craftspeople

María Patrocinio started by experimenting with wool when she made sacks
She has fought hard to strengthen the craft trade in Curití
She won the Craftsmanship Mastery Medal in 2015

María Patrocinio grew up surrounded by the tradition of sack making, she learned it at home and spent her days making sacks. However, since she did not enjoying carding wool, she learned to spin it, weave it, and make skeins from it. These skills would eventually lead to her to further exploration of the vast universe of weaving. Patro, as she is called by her loved ones, is too modest to admit it, but she is the teacher of many, the mamma bear of Curití's craftspeople. She acknowledges, celebrates, and passes on her legacy and knowledge without a shadow of envy. She only wishes everyone could evolve and thrive as she herself has.

Interview

©Artesanías de Colombia

©Artesanías de Colombia

When and how did you actually start?: In the early 1980s, a Colombian-German mission came to show us how to work with fique yarn. I set up a house of crafts in Curití alongside 20 others, but some setbacks arose and it failed, so I began crafting mochila bags and hats, which captured people’s attention.
When did you open your own workshop?: Although my first venture had not worked out, I brought together a group of craftspeople from Curití, Barichara, and Mogotes. We created an association named Areagua, which I still cherish. This name fills me with pride.
What are your specialisations?: My secret is dyeing the fique: a process I have perfected over decades. I have discovered that the sun radiance and “happiness” produce the best vivid and pastel hues, while grey and black dyes are best used on darker days.
What is a memorable moment in your professional life?: I won the Craftsmanship Mastery Medal in the Master Artisan category in 2015. This is an award given by Artesanías de Colombia, which recognizes outstanding artisanal work with a high level of excellence and for preserving artisan skills.

María Patrocinio Pimiento is a master artisan: she began her career in 1982 and she started teaching in 1990