TOYS, MINITURES AND SKELETONS

Toys are an exciting Mexican folk art made from all kinds of materials. There are many different types of folk toys such as dolls, human and animal figurines, coin banks, pull or push toys, whistles and rattles. In addition to the common, everyday toys, many are made for ceremonial use, especially for Day of the Dead. In Mexican culture there is a philosophical acceptance of death as an integral part of the cycle of life. During "Los Dias de los Muertos", (Day of the Dead) people believe that the souls of the dead return every year to earth for one day. Many toys, once made for a child's play, have now become forms of folk art that are made for sale. Miniatures are an especially rich tradition in Mexico . They are made to look just like the full-size objects they are modelled after. They may be made by children or used as children's toys, made and collected by adult Mexicans, or sold to foreign tourists.

PAPER

From time immemorial, paper has been used in Mexico . Paper created from tree bark was made into books to record ancient histories, for decoration and for ceremonial use. The paper is most often used to make paper dolls that represent different humans, animals and spirits. These paper dolls are used in different rituals. Bark paper made by the Otomí Indians is also used by Mexican artists, especially from the state of Guerrero. On this bark paper, they create lively paintings that include flowers and animal figures. Paper cuts (papel picado) are a popular form of decoration used for holidays and festivals in Mexico . In its simplest form, paper is folded and cut with scissors to form different patterns. The paper is then glued together to form banners that can be hung most anywhere. Skilled craftsmen use tools such as blades, awls, and chisels to create more complicated designs that include animals, skeletons, flowers and much more.

Papier-mâché (papel pegado) is a very popular art form in Mexico . Large carnival head figures and piñatas are made from papier-mâché for different festivals and holidays. Animals, skeletons, dolls and other toys are also made from papier-mâché to be used for decorations or for sale. Pieces of paper are torn into strips and soaked in paste. A frame is made out of wood or wire to form a body. Strips of paper are then pasted onto the frame. After the piece is dry it is painted. The strips of paper are applied until the basic shape is created. When the piece is dry, extra features such as noses, ears and hands are added. Next, the piece is decorated with coloured papers and foils, or it is painted in bright colours. Papier mâché is also created using moulds made from fired clay or plaster. By creating moulds, the same figure can be made over and over again for sale. Two moulds are made, one for each half of the figure. Once the wet paper is almost dry, the two halves are pasted together.