Brinquedos artesanais e aspectos da identidade cultural: um olhar sobre os brinquedos de miriti

Abstract

This paper seeks to understand the cultural identity aspects concerning handcrafted toys, based on the relationships established in the making of miriti toys. The problem-posing question covers the following inquiry: how do the toys made by miriti artisans in Brazil carry the cultural identity of those who produced them? When it comes to the methodology used, the research has a qualitative approach, as to its general objectives, it is of the exploratory type and, in terms of the nature of the collected sources, it is bibliographic. Unfortunately, with the current scenario impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, it was not possible to use physical libraries, cultural centers or artisanal toy fairs, so the research for this paper was made mostly via digital means. In order to clarify this question, the cultural history of the toy was initially addressed, as well as its industrialization process - and the resulting impact on toy production and the relationship established with children - and the toy as a cultural support. An overview of the handicraft production in Brazil was also presented, followed by an explanation about the miriti toys regarding the history and production of these items within the abaetetubense community. Finally, the richness and potential of handcrafted toys in comparison to industrialized toys were reiterated, and the importance of valuing this type of manual production was emphasized.