No Batteries Required: the Popular Mexican Toy
Traditional toys combine fun and learning, reflecting their cultural importance.
The spinning top with rope (2019-04-26) by Gerardo Mejía PedreroMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Culture and fun
Traditional toys were made to spin, roll, jump, amuse us and teach us about everyday life. Some are made of wood, others of clay, cardboard, plant fibers, metal, 100% recycled materials, hence their cultural value.
Cat eyes (2019-05-09) by Santiago Sánchez DíazMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
The charm of tradition
There's no greater pleasure than seeing the triumph of the spinning top spin, knocking your opponent's marbles out, dominating the ball or keeping your kite in the air after struggling to get it high enough to soar in the sky.
The crash (2019-05-10) by Miguel Ángel Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Toys that embody childhood
Some toys are an important factor in children's fun; others are inseparable companions that help us understand the adult world such as little carts, which are the very first vehicle in every childhood.
Valentina and her friends (2019-05-02) by Laura Alejandra Jalil ÁlvarezMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Heroes and dolls
Dolls are the children of our young ones, and they can do their make up, their hair or play lunch with them; meanwhile, mini soccer players, boxers and wrestlers are inseparable childhood companions who were once the superheroes of our time.
Let's play marbles (2019-04-20) by Emiliano Gutiérrez GonzálezMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Handmade, durable and collectable
Handmade toys don't need any batteries and don't decompose easily. They can be played with alone, or with friends and, best of all, they are made using 100% biodegradable materials: wood, clay, paper, fabric, glass, metal, palm and other plant fibers.
Without batteries other ways to play (2019-05-10) by Miguel Ángel Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
The magic of craftsmanship
Thanks to the ingenuity and patience of artisans, these materials are transformed into yo-yos, balls, spinning tops, slingshots, pinwheels, kites, clay pots, wooden boxes, dolls, hobby horses, whistles, finger traps, carousels, magic boxes, rattles, etc.
These toys are true artistic pieces and part of the magical universe that never ceases to surprise us. And although they may only seem to be resigned to our memories or about to disappear, we can still find various examples of handmade toys at fairs, markets and toy stores.
Toy textures (2019-04-26) by Karina Alejandra Soto HernándezMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Mexican toys, a living legacy
Traditional Mexican toys refuse to die, and seek to continue bringing the joy of fun and discovering something new, continuing to teach us the values ingrained in the generations that came before us.
This story was made possible thanks to support and collaboration from the General Directorate of Popular, Indigenous and Urban Cultures.
