Ch´ilam takes its name from the mayan word for shark. The lovely piece is a toy intended for adult entertainment; it opens and closes its mouth when it rolls over a surface.
The toy migh look simple, but theres a lot of complexity in the way it is produced; part of the process is industrial, while the rest of it is handcrafted. Modern technology is used, but finishing details are handmade. All of its parts are made of wood (pine and maple). It´s mechanism is inspired in convertible cars.
Something to note is that the product was developed at CIDI, UNAM´s Industrial Design Research Center.
I think Ch´ilam has a really appealing design, so eventhough it is intended for adult entretainment I bought one as a decoration for my baby niece´s nursery.
The friendly shark is for sale in WIKIA.