ABSTRACT

A community’s play and toy culture is part of the system by which its worldview and mode of life are transferred to new generations. In this sense, children’s play and toy cultures worldwide belong to the heritage of humanity, both tangible and intangible heritage. The communicative role in the transmission of this cultural heritage occurs not only between adults and children, but also between children themselves, including from older to younger children. This communication includes the non-verbal and verbal transmission of knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, behaviour, skills, sensibilities and emotions. Communities are changing social groups and the speed of such changes, including to the experiences and play of children, has arguably increased in recent decades. In considering the play heritage of North African children, this chapter will argue that children’s play activities and their toys are an excellent indicator of continuity and change in the broader socio-cultural environment.