Native American Toys

Native American girls and boys played with toys that helped them learn how to be grown-ups. Their parents and grandparents made small baskets, fire drills, medicine pouches, god's eyes and canoes for the children to play with.

One of their more interesting activities was "web-weaving," similar to what we know as "cat's cradle." Web-weaving probably came by way of the Orient hundreds of years before Europeans settled and was practiced by young and old alike.

Although these days seem to be long past, we hope by providing a wide variety of crafts, toys and games, Native American culture will be continually passed from one generation to the next, each recreating this colorful history.

Fun-to-assemble Indian canoe. This kit includes pre-punched suede, lacing and base, painting instructions and the history of the canoe in Indian life. Approximately 4-¹/2" long.

Excellent beginner's craft activity. Recreate southwestern Indian ceremonial shields using yarn and dowels. Called the "god's eyes" because through them a god might keep a watchful eye. Each package makes two.

The cross design of the god's eye represents the legendary four elements: earth, wind, fire and water. When a child was born, the central eye was woven by the father of the tribe. Then one eye was added each year until the child was five.

Popular Native American craft kit. Contains pre-punched suede, fringe, lacing, and instructions to make one Native American Medicine Pouch. Complete history is also included. When completed, the folded pouch measures approximately 3" x 3" plus fringe and neck cord.

Fun-to-assemble Native American tomahawk kit includes wooden "blade" handle, suede lace, history, and complete instructions.

Includes simple instructions, seed beads and wire to make four traditional Indian design rings.

Contains instructions, cornhusks and genuine horsehair. Makes one Native American cornhusk doll.

Native Americans were practicing string games similar to Cat's Cradle, long before the early American settlers learned the technique. Kit contains natural cord, suede carrying pouch and complete instructions for several web-weaving games.

We Bees suggest you print out the Order Form now so that you can write down the items you wish to order. We accept bank checks, money orders (American Express & Western Union only), cashier checks, and credit cards (MasterCard & Visa). See Ordering Info for details and other important information.

Please do not hesitate to write us if you have a question or need assistance placing an order. You can also send a fax to 1-812-332-0998 or call us any time of the day at 1-812-339-4500 and leave a message. Our business hours are Monday through Friday, 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Eastern Standard Time (Central Standard Time when Daylight Savings Time is in effect).

Teachers & youth leaders: We offer an educational discount when you order 12 or more of the same item for teaching purposes.