Aakar-Story Telling Wooden Puzzles for Kids

Aakar' means the shape of an object, a person, or an area; the form or pattern of an outline.

During prehistoric times cave-dwelling humans used signs, sounds and drawings on rocks to tell their tales, which were about rituals and huntings. Storytelling is central to human existence. It involves an exchange between the teller and the listener. Just as the brain detects patterns in the visual forms of nature — a face, a figure, a flower — and in sound, so too it detects patterns in information. Stories are recognizable patterns, and in those patterns we find meaning.

The history of cave paintings in India or rock art ranges from the drawings and paintings of prehistoric times, beginning from around 30,000 BCE in the Bhimbetka rock shelters of Central India, to the rock-cut artificial caves at Ajanta and Ellora. India is also known for its tribal art forms — Warli and Bhil art, Saura and Gond art, kavad art, etc. Aakar is inspired by these Indian art forms.

It's interesting to see how our prehistoric ancestors used to communicate with geometric shapes and how in present times, we have moved to interact with emojis and icons, which are readily related to geometric shapes!

Contains

50 wooden pieces and 1 activity booklet

AGE GUIDANCE

4 years and above

MATERIALS

Wood, paper and cardboard

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

• Never soak or immerse a wooden toy in water, as it might swell, change shape

and lose the colours

• Use a cloth and warm water to wipe your wooden toys, then air dry, or wipe

with a dry cloth for basic cleaning

• To avoid mould, please store wooden toys in a dry place, free of humidity. If

the toy is exposed to humidity, air it out in a dry place

• Do not expose wooden parts to direct sunlight as cracks may occur

• Do not use harsh chemical products when cleaning, as it may

lead to colour fading

Maniams Toys are inspired from Indian culture and connect us with our roots. Maniams, where toys are made by integrating the different skills of Indian artisans so that each piece is unique. Maniams toys are suitable for every child including specially-abled children and are a comfortable fit for the Montessori and Waldorf system of education as well.