Information on Stilts

Houses on stilts

Stilts come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they all share a general intention, which is to provide added height. Whether for practical or entertainment purposes, stilts are used across the globe.

History

Stilts have been used since the seventh century B.C., when Chinese entertainers used them. Over time, more practical uses were found for them, including to tend flocks by shepherds in southern France. In 1860, tightrope walker Jean Francois Gravelet used stilts to cross Niagara Falls.

Function

Today, stilts are used for practical purposes, such as picking fruit from trees, as well as in entertainment venues, like circuses. They are also found on houses in areas that flood regularly.

Potential

The latest in stilt technology involve spring-loaded stilts that go by a number of names, like powerskips or power stilts. They allow users to take nine-foot strides, jump as high as six feet and run as fast as 20 mph.

References

• Bukisa: Stilt Walking
• Life: California Farmer Using Stilts for Picking Fruit
• Washington Post: A Giant Step for Mankind