With keen observation of the region’s Purépecha men and women, Marta has created dolls that accurately replicate traditional indigenous clothing: meticulously embroidered blouses, pleated wrap-around skirts, hand-woven belts, festive aprons and rebozos (shawls). 

Each figure is a testament to Marta’s artistic skill and represents the traditions of her homeland captured in minute detail.  Starting with a wire framework, Marta forms a body of cloth stuffed with cotton, then adds detailed facial features, braided and beribboned hair, beaded jewelry, layers of garments, and miniaturized accouterments that she creates with a paste of bread crumbs.

Although Marta works with the most humble of materials, she has earned the distinction of “Great Master of Mexican Folk Art,” so dubbed by Fomento Cultural Banamex during a two year search to identify the best folk artisans across Mexico . The organization has provided financial grants and workshops and created a world class collection of Mexican folk art that has toured in Mexico and the United States . Also, a beautifully written and illustrated book Great Masters of Mexican Folk Art profiles the work and lives of 181 artists in Banamex’s targeted effort to recognize the talented artisans who are such an integral part of national cultural identity.

Now in her 80s, Marta continues her love of crafting dolls that pay homage to the distinctive character and lifeways of

Michoacán.  Already the modern era has wrought changes in some of the cultural traditions she has documented over time – dances that are barely remembered and garments and styles of dress that have disappeared.  Yet, her faithfulness to the authentic representation of her culture will endure in her dolls and bear witness to times gone by.  This is the lasting legacy of Marta Morales Naranjo.

Tohono Chul Park is pleased to present the superb collection of 40 dolls made by Marta in the mid-1980s on loan from the Castañeda Museum of Ethnic Costume, Tucson . We hope you enjoy this treasure of miniature artworks.