Got Marbles?
Do marbles have secrets? If you ask older generations about their marbles, most will remember their own childhood collection or recall that they inherited a jar or tin or box of “player” marbles from a family member. They know about their own marbles (past or present) in the context of their lives, family history and culture. They may have interesting stories to share: who owned the marbles, tournaments won, and who they think made the marbles. One man in his 90’s told us about knocking his thumb nail off shooting marbles as a child; he switched hands and continued playing until he grew a new one!
Marbles and History
The “life” of marbles depends on their context. Today, marbles seem more incidental to life than important to our current culture. We have forgotten their historic and prehistoric past. Would you believe that they can be dated as far back as 500 AD? That they were as important to Chinese trade as coveted ceramic pieces? In the 21st century, people often consider marbles only as a decorative accent (in fish bowls and jars full on a side table or window sill). We may find them embedded in arts and crafts or used in games like Chinese Checkers. Perhaps our recognition and valuation result from our lack of understanding of when, where, and how marbles have been made over time; they carry these “secrets” with them wherever they go.
So yes…marbles have their secrets! If you are lucky enough to own a few really old ones, investigate their past online and through the many good identification and valuation guides available today. Look to see which companies are still making marbles and explore the new colors, designs, and materials used today. Look in shops that sell antique and vintage collectibles, and explore big box and craft stores to buy some that are representative of our modern culture! What a difference!
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