I remember
the days when I used to play with these wooden toys. I especially remember the
tram (which looked something like this) and imagined me as a tram driver, driving
all over Bombay. (yes Bombay had trams till 1964)
After all
what is a toy? I think it is just an object which, in the hands of a child
turns into the actual thing. The way a
child’s imagination soars with a toy is unimaginable. So when a child sits on
this rocking horse, he gets himself transported to faraway places, fighting
gallant wars, saving damsels in distress. . . . . . the possibilities are endless, which only a
child can imagine.
Saw the
display of these toys last week while driving down from Bangalore to the Nilgiris. On the way is a small town by the name of
Channapatna which is famous for its wooden toys dating back to many
generations.
Now they
have come up with many more fancy stuff, like these wooden flower vase which is
bound to have some international interest.
A plethora
of musical instruments
and artists
who play them
I have no
idea how an abacus works so I wonder if this is a real one as I see only nine
beads in some rows.
These
squirrels (and the penguin) with an articulate body is a work of art.
Somebody has
come up with this saving bank made of wood in a unique shape.
Are these
Flamenco dancers?
Car seat
cover with wooden beads
With a choice of so many toys, I observed a child picking up a colourful plastic toy
(made in China)
The toys of
Channapatna are made of wood and coloured with vegetable dyes. They are cost
effective and safe for children to play with, provided parents encourage them.
It is not
surprising that Michele Obama was impressed with the toys at Channapatna and
bought some to be taken back to White House as mementoes.
The next
time I pass by this town, I will make it a point to go into the interiors and
visit some factories where these toys are made.
Sunset at
the Nilgiris.
A three minute video showing more toys:
