Black Beaded Seal Fur Yoyo by Darlene Smith

The Alaskan Yo-Yo ("yuuyuuk" Central Yup'ik, "igruuraak" Iñupiaq), is made from seal fur balls attached to two unequal lengths of string. The difference in length allows for the balls to swing in opposite directions without colliding. While nowadays these items are considered toys, they were originally used as bola weapons for hunting birds. This yo-yo features glass beadwork, sinew cords, and a baleen handle. The artist, Darlene Smith, is Siberian Yup'ik from Gambel Alaska.