Native American, Northwestern United States, Alaska, Inuit, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. An interesting collection of four toys known as "Alaskan yo-yos" that each consist of two leather caribou or seal fur balls attached to a twine cord with a leather, bone, or wood grip at the center of the cord. The two larger sets of balls both have red leather end covers, and the brown fur is likely from a caribou. The other two pairs have a yellow beige fur with brown spots from a spotted seal. These toys demonstrated hand dexterity and skill. The cords were gripped by the central attached pieces and the balls were swung in opposite directions. They were entertaining but also great practice for a hunting tool known as a bola. The bola was used for catching flying birds, once the bola struck its target, the sinew-strung stones would rapidly ensnare the creature and dramatically mitigate any chance of escape. Size of largest ball: 2" L x 1.5" W (5.1 cm x 3.8 cm)
Provenance: private Littleton, Colorado, USA collection, between 1959 to 1962
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#165866
Condition
Green leather pair of balls is not attached to the cord. This cord is frayed and knotted, and missing half the length, and the green leather handle is not attached. Red leather pair: one ball is not attached to cord, and the cord is fraying and tearing on the other ball. The other red pair and brown leather pair are attached to cords and complete. Losses to hair on all and discoloration and cracking of leather pieces. Not recommended for using, cords are tearing and fraying. Clear signs of use on all.