Micaela Portilla facts for kids

Micaela Portilla (born in 1922, died in 2005) was an important anthropologist and historian from Spain. She was born in Vitoria in July 1922 and passed away on October 8, 2005. Micaela was one of the most significant Basque anthropologists and historians of the 20th century. She led many studies and projects in these fields, using careful and detailed methods. Her work was so influential that she inspired many other researchers in the Álava province.

Her Studies and Work

Micaela Portilla started her career as a teacher in elementary and vocational schools. She taught in different places in the Álava province, like Aramaiona and Salvatierra, before finally teaching in Vitoria.

She later continued her education at the Complutense University in Madrid. There, she studied Geography and History. In 1954, she wrote her thesis, which was a big research paper, titled Torres de Mendozas, Guevaras y Ayalas en Álava. This translates to "The towers of Mendoza, Guevara, and Ayala in Álava." This paper was the beginning of her important research work.

Her contributions to understanding human cultures and societies (ethnography) were very significant. Because of this, two important organizations, Eusko Ikaskuntza and the Royal Society of Friends of the Basque Country, held a special conference in her honor in February 2007. This event included an exhibition about her life and work, along with several days of talks.

Important Books and Publications

Micaela Portilla created a huge collection of documents and published many works. She wrote thousands of pages and over a hundred publications. Some of her most well-known works include:

• Torres de Mendozas, Guevaras y Ayalas en Álava (1954) – This book is about the towers of important families in Álava.
• El retablo de San Blas de Hueto Abajo (Álava) (1958) – This describes an altarpiece, which is a decorated screen behind an altar in a church.
• Torres y casas fuertes de Álava (1978) – This work focuses on the towers and strong, fortified houses in Álava.
• Una ruta europea. Por Álava a Compostela. Del paso de San Adrián al Ebro (1991) – This book explores a European route through Álava to Compostela, from the San Adrian passage to the Ebro river.
• Catálogo Monumental. Diócesis de Vitoria (9 volumes) (1967-2007) – This is a huge, nine-volume catalog of monuments in the Diocese of Vitoria.

Awards and Special Recognition

Micaela Portilla received several awards and honors for her outstanding work:

• She won the Lekuona Manuel Award in 1997.
• A paper on Art History Studies was published in her memory in 2009. It was titled Art History Studies Paper in memory of Professor Michelle Portilla.
• The Basque Government gave her the Lan Onari distinction in 2000. This award recognized her excellent professional work.

See also

In Spanish: Micaela Portilla para niños