Summary

This traditional wooden spinning top with purple and red stripes is called a 'koma' in Japanese. It was purchased by the donor in Japan in the late 1980s. Such toys were played with by children throughout Japan when the donor was growing up but are now only sold at more specialist stores. She brought the toys to Australia in her capacity as a cultural ambassador, introducing Australians to Japanese traditions. Some of these toys were previously displayed at the Children's Museum, where the donor conducted several workshops from 1989 to 1993. These workshops introduced children to playing with such toys and to making origami.

This top forms part of the Australian Children's Folklore Collection (ACFC).
The ACFC is unique in Australia, documenting contemporary children's folklore across Australia and in other countries reaching back to the 1870s. The Collection has a strong component of research material relating to Victoria.

Physical Description

This top is made of wood. Its base ends in a round knob. Purple and red lines decorate the upper section of the main body. A small wooden spike is inserted into one end of the main body. A length of string accompanies the top for winding around the knob when spinning.

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