Diabolo Toy

Item number Edz1087 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Symmetrical wooden object (part a) with two round ends connected by a cylindrical axle that narrows sharply in the centre--round ends are three centimeters thick with a series of cut-outs around the edge revealing a hollow interior. One end has a circular piece of paper with concentric rings of deer, flowers and rabbits on it. The other end has two etched designs with characters in them, a price tag, a tag reading "MADE IN THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA," and a red rectangular tag with three characters on it. Part b consists of two bamboo sticks connected by a length of thick string tied around their tops.

History Of Use

This type of toy was played with by children at the time it was collected although it was not frequently seen, given that less expensive toys and games were readily available. It was also used by acrobats. The purpose of the diabolo is to make the hourglass-shaped object spin rapidly on the string between the two sticks, throw it up in the air, and catch it again on the string. The perforations on the edge probably make it hum as it spins. Such toys are likely used throughout China, as they were sold in a China products store called "Chinese Merchandise Emporium." Although collected in Hong Kong, it is not specific to that region of China.