
The use of recycled materials to make playthings is common to children all over the world. In places where paper is readily available, children fold, cut, roll and glue it to make an endless variety of paper toys and other items for their amusement or practical use. The inventiveness and imagination of children is often reflected in these creations, which are usually ephemeral objects to be played with for a short time and then discarded. Paper spinners like this object have been made by children for generations, using a variety of materials. Sometimes they colour the tops with different colours, and watch what happens when the object is spun. It is quite common for matchsticks to be used as spindles, as they are easily found and about the right size.

Physical Description

Spinner, made from a piece of recycled thin card and a matchstick. The card is white, with black lines dividing it into 10 segments. In the middle is a hole with a matchstick through it. The card is a squared-off oval shape, with grey and white lettering on the back. The matchstick is unused, and has a white head. There are blue biro marks on the back of the card. Acknowledgement: Australian Children's Folklore Collection, Museum Victoria.

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