Objects Database

Ski waxes in Toko Box

Accession Number

1097.2013.1(a-w)

Object Name

Ski waxes in Toko Box

Created

06/11/2013

Creator

Hermione Cooper

Accession Date

06/11/2013

Brief Description

Hinged yellow box with black handle containing assorted ski waxes and tools.

Materials

plastic, wax, cardboard

Dimensions

box - 32(l) x 12(w) x 14 (h) cms

Number Of Objects

23

Inscription Description

"TOKO BOX LOIPE MADE IN SWITZERLAND" and silhouettes of cross country skiers

Colour

Yellow

Maker

Toko

Object Production Place

Switzerland

Provenance

The skiers will know - non skiers maybe not - that skis require a wax as an interface between the base of the ski and the snow. Downhill skiers want a wax that allows them to slide better, therefore faster, and cross country skiers will need a sticky wax to give them grip when going uphill, and rather confusingly, they may want to slide as well on the descent - when cross country racing for example.
There is a mind boggling array of waxes to cater for all types of snow conditions and all types of skis so it might be interesting to note that professional ski racers have a team of 'waxers' who endeavour to get the right wax on the right day, and it is not uncommon for medals to be won, or lost, as a result of the the wax, regardless of the racer's ability.
There are nearly as many wax makers as waxes, with each country having its favourite brand and each skier swearing that they use the best.
We've got a wee selection here that date from the 1970's - though as waxes don't go 'off' they could still be used. Founder of The Scottish Mountain Heritage Collection, Mick Tighe, trained with the British Biathlon (Biathlon is cross country skiing and shooting) Team back in the 1970's and these are some of his waxes. The rather battered old waxing chart opposite might give you some idea of how the system works.

Acquisition Method

Donated by Mick Tighe

Acquisition Date

06/11/2013

Condition Check Date

06/11/2013

Rules

Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007

Modified

06/11/2013

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