Splats History of Circus Toys Splats Entertainment 2011 Juggling Juggling is something people have done since records began. You can find !pictures of them on Ancient Greek vases, Roman Statues, Ancient Chinese books, hieroglyphics in the tombs of the Pharaohs and medieval paintings. Roman juggler. Clay figure in the Staatliche Museum in Berlin. Moung Toon, The Marvellous Burmese Juggler. The amazing part of Moung's show was that he never touched with his hands the things which he juggled. Diabolo Diabolo was invented in China and was used to make a whistling sound for market holders to attract customers. The story goes that it was brought back by Marco Polo. B e c a u s e o f i t s t r a n g e movement during the Spanish inquisition it was seen as the devils work and so the Spanish name diabolo It was a popular toy in France and England in The Victorian and Edwardian days, alongside its cousins the whipping top and yo yo. Peacock Feather Balancing Peacock feathers are from India where the bird is considered sacred and cannot be harmed. The feathers fall out and gathered for good luck. Chinese Ribbon The story goes that a man saved the Chinese Emperor in 206 BC from a flying sword with his long silk sleeve and the dance was a celebration of this. It has been performed !since then. The Chinese ribbon dance often involves two ribbons twirling in time to the music. The longer ribbons are used in rhythmic gymnastics w h e r e g r a c e a n d movement are judged. This goes back to ancient Greek athletic training. Poi Poi originates from the Maori people of New Zealand and was used to keep their hands and arms strong and flexible. The women needed it for weaving and the men for weapons control. T h e y p e r f o r m e d a rhythmic dance with small steps and swaying hips. Spinning Plate Spinning plates ! come from China where they use real plates and bowls. The world record is 108 by David Spathaky. Stilts Strap on stilts were used by farmers to pick fruit (hops). They were a very popular toy in the Victorian and Edwardian days. Flower Stick Flower stick or devil sticks originate from Africa and c a n b e f o u n d i n hieroglyphics in Egyptian tombs 3000 bc. www.splatsentertainment.com Splats Entertainment 2011.