About Spinning Tops
Spinning tops are toys that balance on a point while spinning on an axis. This causes an internal weight to rotate, resulting in a spinning motion. Tops are enjoyed by children and adults alike. There have been many developments in the technology of spinning tops, with new types and features created by toy companies over the past several decades.
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History
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Spinning tops were invented independently in many different areas of the world. Clay tops have been discovered in archaeological digs that date as far back as 3500 B.C. in the city Ur, southeast of Baghdad. Spinning tops made of terra cotta were discovered at Troy that date to 3000 B.C. Egyptian, Greek and Roman tops have been found dating from 2000 B.C. to 27 B.C.
Function
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Spinning tops have been used throughout history for many purposes. Children have used them for centuries as toys and pastimes. They have also been used in prophecy, gambling and as gifts to honor the Gods, or in some cultures, as items to take into the afterlife. Modernly, spinning tops provide play and distraction. They are also used in tournaments and championships in games of skill, and in role-playing games.
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Features
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The body of a spinning top has at least one axis, known as a principle axis, around which it spins. They traditionally have a peg shape in which the top of the body is much wider than the bottom, or tip. Spinning tops also include a mechanism to begin the spinning such as a spring cap, stem, string or pump. They can be made of a variety of materials including wood, clay and metal, and are typically brightly painted.
Size
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Spinning tops come in many different sizes. The largest top weighs around 15 lbs., found in primitive Malay and most often used by adults. Drawings of large parish tops weighing up to 2 lbs. and 8 inches tall have also been recovered. The common child's toy we know today is typically no larger than a few inches in height and diameter.
Types
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There are many different types of spinning tops. The twirler is spun with the hands by twisting the stem. The supported top is spun by a cord or string while holding the top upright with a support. The whip top is spun by whipping the top. This provides a constant spinning motion. The throwing top is spun with a cord on the body. It is thrown to perpetuate the spinning. Other types of tops include the dreidle, floating top, gaming top, tippe top, trompo, whistling top and spinja.
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Resources
- Photo Credit sxc.hu/ledomira
