Spinning Top - Classic Toy Series Traditional Cache

This cache is part of a series on classic toys that originated no later than the 1970's. Most will have originated earlier, much earlier. I wanted to bring a little history behind these toys in the cache page and a little fun in the cache.

Spinning tops are among the oldest toys ever discovered by archaeologists. A clay top unearthed in Iraq was dated to 35th century BC—nearly six thousand years ago. The wooden top below was carved circa 1300BC and later discovered in the tomb of King Tut!




Tops made from fruits, nuts and seeds have been discovered amongst indigenous tribes throughout the world. 




Many modern tops are still made by hand. Often from wood turned on a lathe. Other tops are made of metal, glass or plastic.




Most people in the United States are familiar with the large plunger top. The mechanism inside the top causes it to spin when the plunger is pumped up and down




Twirling tops have come a long way since the time of King Tut but this is only half of the amazing history of this enduring toy.

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