ICH NGO Network

The Manta Blanca of Tambogán has been recognized as Cultural Heritage of the Nation due to its significant historical, cultural, and social value, as it constitutes a representative expression of the identity of the communities of the district of Tambogán, in the Huánuco region.

This textile manifestation stands out for the preservation of traditional weaving techniques using the backstrap loom, transmitted from generation to generation. These techniques reflect ancestral knowledge related to the use of fibers, spinning processes, natural dyeing, and artisanal garment-making. Such knowledge constitutes a living cultural legacy that strengthens the continuity of traditional practices over time.

Likewise, this recognition is aligned with the principles of UNESCO’s Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, ratified by the Peruvian State, which establishes the obligation of States to adopt measures to ensure the identification, documentation, research, preservation, promotion, and transmission of intangible cultural heritage.

05-08-2026

Institutional and human capacities	Lucía Agapito Fanan is a distinguished Peruvian artisan from Huánuco, recognized for her outstanding contribution to the safeguarding, transmission, and promotion of traditional textile knowledge associated with the fine Manta Blanca. Her work has received significant regional and national recognition, reflecting both the cultural value of her craft and her leadership as a bearer of intangible cultural heritage. Among her notable achievements are her recognition at the 2016 National Peruvian Handicraft Design Award in the category of Innovation in Handicrafts; a Certificate in Commercial Management of Handicraft Products from the Center for Tourism Training – MINCETUR; and her participation in the 2018 National Handicraft Fair “De Nuestras Manos”, also organized by MINCETUR. She has also received First Prize in the Textile Category for her traditional ultra-fine Manta Blanca made of cotton and sheep’s wool. In addition, she has been recognized as one of the Successful and Leading Women from Huánuco by the Chamber of Commerce and Industries. Her participation in important cultural platforms such as Ruraq Maki, Handmade of the Ministry of Culture in 2017, the Tinkuy Textile Art Gathering at the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco, and the Haku Wiñay/Noa Jayatai projects in 2022 further demonstrates her commitment to strengthening traditional knowledge, improving productive capacities, and promoting the continuity of textile heritage in Peru.
Transmission and education	The transmission of knowledge and techniques related to the making of the Fine Manta Blanca is based primarily on processes of intergenerational teaching carried out within artisan families and communities, where master weavers play a fundamental role as bearers and transmitters of traditional knowledge. This process involves the progressive learning of skills such as spinning, fiber handling, the use of natural dyes, and weaving techniques, thereby ensuring the continuity of this artisanal practice over time.
Inventorying and research	The inventory is based on the recognized cultural practice of producing fine Manta Blanca of Tambogán, declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation on November 27, 2017. The information documents its historical, cultural, and social value, including backstrap loom weaving, spinning, finishing, use of fibers, and intergenerational transmission, in line with safeguarding principles of identification, documentation, research, preservation, promotion, and transmission.
Policies as well as legal and administrative measures	Through a request submitted on August 22, 2016, Mr. Edgar Rolando Santiago Bernardo, in his capacity as President of the Association of Artisans and Folklorists “AFOL” Huánuco Region, and as a result of coordination with the authorities of the Tambogán Populated Center, proposed that the “Traditional Use of the Manta Blanca” of the Tambogán Populated Center, district of Churubamba, province and department of Huánuco, be declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation. This request recommended the declaration of the Traditional Use of the Manta Blanca of the Tambogán Populated Center as Cultural Heritage of the Nation
Role of intangible cultural heritage and its safeguarding in society	Artisan Lucía Agapito Fanan carries out sustained and specialized work in the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, focused on the making of fine Manta Blanca textiles, a representative expression of the cultural heritage of the Huánuco region. Her activities are framed within actions for the preservation, transmission, promotion, and recognition of traditional knowledge, contributing significantly to cultural and socioeconomic strengthening at different territorial levels
Awareness raising	Awareness-raising around the Manta Blanca of Tambogán constitutes a strategic pillar for its safeguarding as Cultural Heritage of the Nation, aimed at strengthening the recognition, appreciation, and social ownership of this cultural expression among the local, regional, and national population.
Engagement of communities, groups and individuals as well as other stakeholders	Lucía Agapito Fanan engages women, youth, artisans, public and private institutions, and wider audiences through non-formal training, community meetings, fairs, exhibitions, workshops, and digital platforms. Her work strengthens participation in transmitting ancestral weaving knowledge, improves productive capacities, promotes local identity, and builds cooperation at community, regional, national, and international levels for the continuity of Manta Blanca
International engagement	At the international level, her participation in cultural exchanges, fairs, and exhibition spaces helps make the artistic and cultural value of fine Manta Blanca textiles visible on global stages. These actions contribute to raising awareness of the importance of safeguarding traditional techniques, while also opening fair market opportunities for women artisans
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