The Malay version of the spinning top, a gasing nevertheless possesses many special characteristics to set it apart from its similar counterparts in other cultures. Traditionally made from wood harvested from trees in the region, the gasing can instantly be recognized by their distinctive design as well as their often smooth wooden finish. Gasings varies in size—some can easily weigh over 5 kilograms and are as wide as dinner plates!
Originally, gasing is a game often played during the harvesting season, where rival villages often compete against each other on whose gasing can spin the longest. Gasing is spun by quickly unfurling a rope that was tightly wound around the top. Gasing is a game that requires great skill—a master gasing player can keep the top spinning for over an hour!
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