Amatope / Mahumbwe – The Spirit of Play in Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe, play is more than just fun — it is culture, creativity, and community.
The word “Amatope” comes from Isindebele and refers to the childhood game of “playing house,” much like how children in the West play make-believe with toy kitchens and dollhouses. In Chishona, the same game is called “Mahumbwe.”
Across Zimbabwe, children bring this game to life using toys that are often locally made — from wooden toys, to fabric toys or wire cars and many handmade stuff. Some are purely traditional, while others carry a modern influence with a uniquely local twist. Each toy reflects resourcefulness, storytelling, and the joy of shared imagination.
This collection brings together these toys — both handmade and customized — as a celebration of Zimbabwe’s play traditions. We are committed to expanding this collection and keeping these cultural treasures alive for future generations.
With your support, we can continue to document, preserve, and share the beauty of Zimbabwean childhood play. Together, we can make a difference — one toy, one story, one memory at a time.