Jumping jack (toy)
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[edit] Jumping Jack (toy)
A jumping jack is a popular toy whose origins date back thousands of years. The jointed jumping jack figure is a cross between a puppet and a paper doll. The figures are made from wood with a pull string. When the string is pulled, the arms and legs move up and down.
Although popularly known as a European toy, ivory dancers made to spin by pulling their strings, thought to be the earliest forms of jumping jacks were found at the archaeological site El Lisht and date back to ancient Egyptian times. In the mid-1700, jumping jack figures know as “pantins” were made popular by the French noble class. At the same time, jumping jacks known as "hampelmann" in were being made in the Erzgebirge mountain range in Germany.
These popular toys still hold a fascination for children and collectors alike.
[edit] References
Ancient Egyptian games: Children's games, toys, board games; http://nefertiti.iwebland.com/timelines/topics/games.htm#rem17
History of Paper Dolls; Copyright 1999 Judy M. Johnson; http://www.opdag.com/History.html
Saxon Gifts; http://www.saxongifts.com/Erzgebirge_History_s/19.htm
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