Eskimo yo-yo facts for kids
The Eskimo yo-yo or Alaska yo-yo is a special traditional toy. It is played by Eskimo-speaking people in Alaska, like the Inupiat, Siberian Yupik, and Yup'ik communities. This toy looks a bit like bolas (a throwing weapon) and a regular yo-yo. It is known for being both simple and tricky at the same time!
An Eskimo yo-yo usually has two balls, often made from sealskin. These balls hang from strings made of caribou sinew (a strong material from animals). The goal is to swing both balls at the same time, but in opposite directions, using just one hand. This toy is very popular with people in Alaska and visitors too. The strings are usually different lengths, and the balls can be made from various materials like leather.
How to Play
The main goal of the Eskimo yo-yo is to make the two balls spin in opposite directions at the same time. The strings are made to be different lengths. This helps the balls pass each other without hitting.
The "Eskimo Orbit"
The balls move using centripetal force. This means as the balls go up, you push your hand down. As they fall, you lift your hand up. This basic move is called the "Eskimo orbit." You can do this orbit in different ways:
- Vertically (up and down)
- Horizontally (side to side)
- Above your head
Advanced Tricks
Players can learn many other tricks. Some tricks involve starting the yo-yo in unusual ways. Others include wrapping the strings around parts of your body or bouncing them. There is even a version with three balls! For this, all three balls need to be moving at the same time.
What They Are Made Of
The objects at the end of the strings come in many shapes. They can look like seals, ptarmigan feet, dolls, or tiny mukluks (traditional boots). Sometimes they are just simple balls.
Handles and Decorations
The handle of the yo-yo can be made from wood, bone, ivory, or even baleen (a material from whale mouths). Some yo-yos are plain, but many are beautifully decorated. They might have fancy beadwork or detailed carvings. The Eskimo yo-yo is more than just a toy; it is also a form of Alaska Native art.
Tourist Souvenirs
You can often find these yo-yos in gift shops across Alaska. They are popular souvenirs for tourists. Some shops sell yo-yos made by Native artists. Other shops might sell copies made elsewhere.
History of the Yo-Yo
The exact beginning of the Eskimo yo-yo is not fully known. However, Eskimo people believe it started as a hunting tool. It was a simple tool made from sinew and bones, similar to a bola used for hunting birds. It might have developed on St. Lawrence Island.
A man named Chris Kiana learned to play the yo-yo from his grandfather when he was only three years old. He has written a book with one hundred different tricks. He has also made videos to teach others how to play.
