The death of the well-known bilingual writer Ana Patricia Martínez Huchim, originally from Tizimín, has generated consternation among family members, friends and acquaintances, as well as in the Yucatan capital, where she was widely known and enjoyed the appreciation of the people.
She recently received the recognition “Made in Yucatan 2018”, which honors the work of women from Yucatan or those based in the state and who excelled in the arts, culture, altruism, science or professions.
Degreed in Anthropological Sciences with specialization in Linguistics, Literature and Master in Anthropological Sciences, with a specialty in Ethnohistory from the Autonomous University of Yucatan, Martínez Huchim over the years taught workshops on Mayan language and culture in Mexico and abroad.
She was distinguished in 2005 with the National Prize of Indigenous Literature “Enedino Jiménez” of Juchitán, Oaxaca, for her bilingual novel “U k’a’ajsajil u ts’u ‘nojk’áax” that in Spanish means “Memories of the Heart of the Mountain”.
She participated in numerous conferences and activities that promote indigenous language, traditions and education. Among other awards she received was “Alfredo Barrera Vásquez” of the Fourth National University Literary Games in 2005. Her contribution as a researcher and writer of the Mayan culture for the municipality of Tizimín has earned her many recognitions.
The outstanding writer from Yucatan passed away last Friday morning, informed the School of Literary Creation of the State Center of Fine Arts.
The writer lost her life at 64 years of age and was an outstanding creator in the Mayan language and in Spanish; besides working for different institutes as researcher and teacher.
In life, she strove to preserve the Mayan oral tradition and promote bilingualism, for which she was distinguished with various prizes.
Text and photo: Isauro Chi
