The toy museum in Riehen is showing African toys made from tin and wire:
Museen Basel
Riehen Info
According to a newspaper article, the above show focuses on toys from West Africa.
A couple of years ago, a friend and I were discussing an idea to import these very original, handmade toys. I have seen some great toys in Blantyre.
It also explains why some wire fences disappear so fast… kids finding new uses.
Wire stuff is the latest hype in Japan. Everything that looks vintagy or rebellish of sorts – away from the conventions. Hence, that’s my thesis, their interest in wire objects that were the hype here some years ago [and that are a regular seller in gardening and country feeling fashion]. Remember the milk bottle carrier or the candlesticks made from wire.
There sure is a market niche that’s worth exploring.