Limberjacks

Limberjack in action

WHAT IS A LIMBERJACK? A limberjack is a loose-limbed dancing doll. This toy probably originated in 16th century Europe when a seated street performer attached a string from his knee to a jointed wooden toy and by jiggling made it dance on a board. A wooden stick replaced the string sometime in 19th century England. In Appalachia, these traditional toys are often hand-carved with a stick in the back. The manipulator, keeping time to a lively fiddle tune, taps on a narrow flexible wooden board. The vibrating board makes the doll appear to do a clackety mountain clog dance. A skillful handler can make this toy an effective rhythm instrument.

I make handcrafted dancing goat limberjacks, hippos, opossums… and more… available for purchase. $30 plus shipping. Inquiries to russchilders1@gmail.com.

My uniquely painted Appalachian limberjacks are handcrafted to provide many enjoyable hours of fun. Originally mountain craftsmen whittled these “jacks” into shapes which were held together with pieces of wire. I use power tools and eye hooks for their assembly.

The basic limberjacks I make are men/women, chickens, and goats. They come in a variety of colors. Each limberjack comes with a paddle board.

Limber Jack