RAWALPINDI: The latoo, a traditional spinning top made of wood that was once a popular toy on the streets and playgrounds of the subcontinent, is disappearing.

The spinning top was used in traditional games played by children in Pakistan and other parts of the Indian subcontinent, and remains popular in down town Rawalpindi.

There is even a locality in old Rawalpindi named Latoo Mohallah, where these wooden spinning tops are made. The locality got its name because of craftspeople who made these toys as well as latoo competitions held in the area.

As the craft becomes less profitable, a number of shops making and selling latoos have closed. But two or three still remain in an effort to keep the tradition alive, and a competition is still held in the neighbourhood.

Although the competition has a set of rules, they are all unwritten. It draws hundreds of spectators between June and August, as this is the season for latoo competitions, largely participated in by children and young people.

However, the annual competitions were disrupted this year by the coronavirus pandemics. Still, some locals kept them going on a smaller scale to keep the activity alive.

“Every latoo cannot spin for an hour, but some people manage to spin them for 15 to 30 minutes. We give the winners cash or clothing,” Mohammad Anwar, a local youngster, said.

He said winners celebrate by having a good breakfast at Taja and Babu’s nihari, a popular eatery among Rawalpindi residents.

A latoo is made of solid wood and thread. In the past, craftspeople would give the latoo their rounded shape by hand, but now that process has been replaced by machinery. Varnish and synthetic paint are used to bring colour and shine to the toys.

Mohammad Azam, a craftsman, said the traditional game is disappearing in cities, but in the olden days children played with latoos and participated in competitions regularly.

Mr Azam said he has been making latoos for 25 years.

“The number of people who buy this toy has decreased, but it is still popular among many. We have arranged competitions for youngsters, and most people came from abroad to tell their children about the history and traditional games of Punjab,” he said.

He added that this is not a profitable business, which is why people are closing down their shops and taking up other businesses.

“Nowadays, craftsmen also make wooden stair grills and beds along with making latoos,” he said.

“A man came from the United Kingdom last year and brought latoos for his grandsons and granddaughters. We made the latoos on order and coloured them as he had asked,” he said.

“The latoo is made with sheeshamwood, commonly known tahli, and it takes a day to make two or three pieces. The wood is light, which is why it can spin,” he explained.

Prices for a latoo start at Rs50 and go up to Rs500, depending on the colour and size, he added, but most people buy cheaper versions.

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2020