Archaeological digs routinely produce artifacts that could only have been playthings for pre-Columbian tots. In fact, it is the existence of push toys, usually in the form of animals, which proves the ancient peoples of Mexico were perfectly familiar with the concept of the wheel. Their mostly up and down terrain and lack of draft animals simply made wheeled transport impracticable.
      Only in recent years have Mexican children had access to mass-produced toys. In rural areas and for the poorer families Barbie dolls and toy trains are still out of reach. This does not mean that these children have no toys. A little girl’s tea set, lovingly crafted by her mother from the local clay, or a boy’s top, hand-carved by his father from a tree branch, are no less valued than something imported from China or turned on a lathe.
      Mexican parents make toys of wood, clay, paper, papier mache, cloth, straw, tin or other metal, rubber, plastic or anything else handy to the delight of their children.