Traditional Crafts

Yame Wagoma Spinning TopsFolk Crafts

Yame wagoma spinning tops are characterized by a large sunken "navel" in the center of the top surface, which is believed to be the original shape of traditional Japanese spinning tops. Making these spinning tops requires a long series of steps, such as taking wood from a tree that has grown straight for 30 years or more and drying it out over the course of a year. It is also important that the core of the tree is used for the center of the spinning top in order for it to spin well for a long time. This requires a high level of seasoned craftsmanship.