1. IT’S NOT FROM INDONESIA, IT’S AN AMERICAN TOY
The name lato-lato is said to have been derived from the Bugis word “latto-latto” which translates to “making clacking sounds”.
A popular misconception about lato-lato is that it hails from Indonesia. While it’s true that the resurgence of its popularity can be attributed to Indonesian TikTok trends, the toy originated in the United States where it was called clackers.
2. IT USED TO BE CONSIDERED DANGEROUS
The original clackers in the 1960s and 70s were made with either tempered glass or acrylic. This meant that the balls would occasionally shatter and send shards flying when hit. As more and more children got hurt from playing with clackers, the US Food and Drug Administration established new safety standards for manufacturers. As a result, clackers were pulled from American shelves.
Of course, these days, lato-lato are made with modern plastics that are less prone to breaking.
3. IT WAS THE SUBJECT OF A COURT CASE IN THE US
In 1974, the United States Marshals Service seized a shipment of about 50,000 sets of clackers. In response, Ace Novelty Company filed a complaint stating that clackers were not banned hazards as defined by the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA).
In the end, the court decided that the United States had the right to seize the shipment under the FHSA as clackers were mechanical hazards and could cause injuries to children. They then allowed the United States to seize and destroy the shipment of clackers.
4. ACTOR PAUL RUDD HAD TO PLAY IT ON THE RED CARPET
Yes, even an Avenger got into the act. During the red carpet premiere of Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania, a reporter from Indonesian media portal detikcom made the cast play lato-lato, with director Peyton Reed emerging as the winner.
5. PEOPLE HAVE DEVELOPED NEW WAYS TO PLAY IT
An Indonesian teacher created a viral TikTok video showing how one can make a new clacking sound by placing one ball on the ground and moving just the second one around.