Have any info about the small, brightly painted animal figurines with "bobbley" heads that I got in Mexico?

Question

Over the years I have bought lots of small animal figurines while in Mexico (Cabo mostly). All of the street venders sell them. They are about 1" to 3" high and are brightly colored. They have round bodies and little heads tied in with string to make them "bobble". They are a variety of animals- the dragon and turtle seem to be the most popular. They are very inexpensive- usually less than an dollar. I'm trying to find more information about them. I was told by one vendor that they are made of limes with clay details. Does anyone know how they are actually made? Any know history or signifiance to them?

Answer 1

Hola.  Yes I know what you talking about.  I have several of them on my office desk.  

I believe they are made of papermache and paint now, but at one time they were made out of nut shells and painted.  I remember they showed up around the same time as the mexican jumping beans became popular.  They were a hit because they were small and tourists could take them home with them....until they were classified as plant material/bug larve and a lot of countries wouldn't allow them in.....this is when they became papermache.  

Anyways, there is no significance to them other than that. Most are made on the mainland.  Maybe someone else knows the town.

Answer 2

Those are merley the new disguises for the illegals, send them back quick before INS raids your house