US Yup'ik Nation Skill Toy: "Yo-Yo" - "Yuuyuuk"

US Yup'ik Nation Skill Toy: "Yo-Yo" - "Yuuyuuk"

Collection: Everyday Connections

Object Category: Toys
Object Type: Skill Toys

Country: USA
Continent: North America
Geographic Region: Northern America
width: 2 in; height: 2 in; depth: 2 in

The Eskimo yo-yo, called "iyuuyuuk" by the Yup'ik First Nation, originated as an important and widely used hunting tool made simply with sinew and bones. The skills required to use the yo-yo, including dexterity, speed, aim, coordination, strength and stamina, remain important in areas where people subsist off the land.

The object of the Eskimo yo-yo is to make the balls circle in opposite directions at the same time. Each cord is a different length to allow the balls to pass without striking one another.

The yo-yo is a popular tourist art found in gift shops across Alaska. It is made in a variety of shapes and may be elaborately decorated with fine beadwork.
Source:
https://scholarworks.alaska.edu/handle/11122/8567
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eskimo_yo-yo