There are numerous examples of the folk art of Chiapas, as this area is rich in the folk art of the
Maya Indians. Our friend Angelina Gómez Hernández is originally from a small village near the
city of San Cristobal de las Casas in the southern state of Chiapas. We met Angelina in Mexico
City at her small arts and crafts stand near the University of Mexico. She and her family make a
huge variety of arts and crafts, including delightful stuffed animals and Zapatistas dolls
celebrating the Neo-Zapatista movement, which began in the early 1990s, and is still fighting for
indigenous rights today.
We were particularly taken by Angelina’s colorful stuffed animal folk art. These figures celebrate
the diversity of wildlife in Chiapas and make wonderful natural alternatives to the mass-
produced stuffed animals purchased in the United States. These are unique pieces of folk art
made from natural wool and other natural fibers.
See this website for information on modern Maya culture.
