Born in Malhadais, parish of Boliqueime, Almerinda Miguel started in the art of construction at the age of 8, learning from her mother and grandmother.
After completing the 4th grade, she also dedicated herself to sewing and crochet. The income obtained from the venture allowed him to buy his trousseau.
He married young and, for a few years, stepped away from the trade to dedicate himself to his family. Later, she returned to the enterprise, becoming a reference artisan. His specialty was the slatted empreita, a technique with which he produced unique pieces, such as lamps and bags.
She was one of the few artisans to work with 11 and 13 branch lines, used in large pieces, also keeping alive the tradition of carrycots and baskets. Innovation marked his path, namely by the introduction of slats — lateral threads taken from palm leaves — in his creations.
Almerinda Miguel was part of the founding group of Casa da Empreita, one of the workshops of the Loulé Criativo project, where she shared knowledge and inspired generations. Although she recently passed away, her mastery and dedication to the art of palm will remain forever in the memory and hearts of those who learned and worked with her.
