Introducing Divina Díaz Ángel: A Master Weaver from Huehuetán, Guerrero
Divina Díaz Ángel, a skilled artisan from the small town of Huehuetán in Guerrero, Mexico, discovered her passion for weaving at a young age. Despite her mother’s attempts to discourage her curiosity, Divina secretly learned the craft and eventually mastered it. Her talent led her to win first place in the National Textiles and Rebozo Contest in 2023, making her a representative of countless artisans who previously felt unrecognized.
A New Haven for Living Cultural Heritage
On December 18, 2025, the Fondo Nacional para el Fomento de las Artesanías (Fonart) inaugurated its largest store yet, located in the historic center of Mexico City. Situated near the Templo Mayor, this new establishment, Casa del Marqués del Apartado, aims to be more than just a retail location; it seeks to become the hub of cultural sovereignty and fair trade.
Government Officials Emphasize the Importance of Cultural Preservation
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, local and federal authorities highlighted the significance of placing Mexico’s most valuable living cultural heritage at the forefront. Claudia Curiel de Icaza, Secretary of Culture, stated, “Each piece displayed here comes with a certification that combats plagiarism and counterfeiting under the slogan ‘Buy Original, Buy Fonart.'”
Economic Justice and Recognition for Artisans
This new Fonart store offers a lifeline for artisans like Divina and Juan Vázquez Menor, who previously struggled to market their products outside their communities. Divina now brings not only her own creations but also those of her fellow artisans who lack the resources to travel to the capital.
The Value of Time and Skill in Artisanal Crafts
Divina explains that a single piece of woven fabric can take months or even a year to complete, from growing and harvesting natural cotton to spinning the threads and intricately counting them to form iconic designs. “Many believe these pieces are expensive, but they are exclusive works that embody our lives in every thread,” she says.
A Catalyst for Mexico’s Cultural Policy
The opening of this new Fonart store marks a turning point in Mexico’s cultural policy, as it aims to eliminate haggling and ensure artisans receive fair compensation for their work. The originality certification helps combat piracy and industrial replicas that exploit indigenous knowledge.
Future Plans: A Textile Museum and Global Expansion
This relaunch of Fonart in the heart of Mexico City is just the beginning of an ambitious expansion strategy. The same location will soon house the Textile Museum, dedicated to research, documentation, and artist residencies for master artisans nationwide to teach their skills to upcoming generations.
Moreover, Fonart plans to internationalize its stores, bringing Mexico’s rich artisanal heritage to foreign markets under fair trade standards and origin certification.
Bringing Mexican Artisan Crafts to the World Stage
The ultimate goal is for the hard work of women like Divina Díaz to transition from Guerrero’s hidden gems to symbols of Mexican pride in leading global cities.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Fonart? Fonart is the National Fund for the Development of Arhandicrafts, a Mexican government agency that supports and promotes traditional crafts.
- Why is the new Fonart store significant? The new store, located in the historic center of Mexico City, aims to be a cultural hub promoting fair trade and combating plagiarism.
- Who is Divina Díaz Ángel? Divina Díaz Ángel is a master weaver from Huehuetán, Guerrero, who won first place in the National Textiles and Rebozo Contest in 2023.
- What are Fonart’s future plans? Fonart intends to open a Textile Museum and expand internationally, promoting Mexican artisanal crafts worldwide under fair trade standards.
