By Asociación de Amigos del MAP
Electra López
Helicóptero de guaje laqueado by DesconocidoAsociación de Amigos del MAP
In all times and cultures, toys have a special place, although in reality, a child is capable of playing with any utensil that his imagination transforms into the vehicle of his fantasies.
In Mexico
Since popular art is an activity that is carried out within the family artisan nucleus, on many occasions it is the children themselves who are in charge of making their own toys.
During the Viceroyalty
European toys were imported that gradually took on their own characteristics: dollhouses were filled with miniature Mexican furniture; the kitchens, with clay pots and griddles;
the cardboard dolls, with heads and hands made of wax, had their clothes painted with bright colors and ornaments instead of the luxurious European costumes, thus giving rise to the popular toy store.
Chico. Caballo de cartón aglomerado, modelado y policromado by Alejandro Camacho BarreraAsociación de Amigos del MAP
We can find a toy store from:
Clay, wood, cloth, natural fibers, lead, cardboard, paper, candy, glass, stone, gourds and bules, copper, bone, vanilla and chewing gum.
Each state or region of the country abounds in toy production, with its own characteristics, but among them Mexico City, Guanajuato, Michoacán, the State of Mexico, Oaxaca and Puebla stand out, thus leaving its production determined by the geographical environment.
In Mexico City, puppets, rag dolls, tin soldiers, cardboard horses, paper pinwheels, paper kites and board toys such as the "lotería", "snakes and ladders" and "the goose" are made.
Balero de madera talladaAsociación de Amigos del MAP
Colima offers us its spinning tops and bearings carved in wood, soldiers, cages, sewing machines and lead rifles.
During the 19th century, to celebrate the triumph of the Mexican troops over the French invader, every May 5, children were dressed as soldiers and soldiers began to be made from different materials.
Holiday Toys
For all Saints and Day of the Dead, sugar and chocolate skulls, alfajor little deads, cardboard burials, clay skulls, clar or cardboard skeletons with different outfits, among many others, are made. And at Christmas the piñatas.
A common popular toy throughout the country is the kite (from Nahuatl papalotl: (butterfly), which used to be made of paper and is now usually made of plastic, and is used especially in the windy months.
Photography:
Estudio Kristina Velfu
Nicola Lorusso
MAP
AmigosMAP
Gabriela Andrade
Brenda Trevisán
