ZOETROPE: HISTORY, HOW IT WORKS, HOW TO MAKE A HOMEMADE ONE - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The zoetrope is a stroboscopic machine (an instrument that allows an object to be seen as if it were moving) manufactured in 1834. It is made up of a kind of drum that has cuts through which the viewer can observe a series of drawings superimposed in strips that, when rotate, generate a sensation of movement.

This machine has notable influences from the phenakistiscope; However, the zoetrope differs from this one because it allows several people to see the same figure in motion simultaneously (the phenakistiscope can only be used by a single individual).

A zoetrope can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. Source: Étienne-Jules Marey

The original name of the zoetrope was daedaleum, since it was associated with the creations of the Greek architect Daedalus, who is presumed to have created moving images of animals and people. The zoetrope was also known by other more popular names, such as "magic drum", "devil's wheel" or "wheel of life".

This invention was not only a very popular toy in the middle of the 19th century, but it also brought about a series of technological advances that served as inspiration for the cinema. This is because this invention maintains the same principle: it is a succession of objects or images that tell a story through movement.

History: who invented it?

Based on most of the available sources, it can be established that the creator of the zoetrope was William George Horner, an English mathematician. However, some archaeologists and historians have found certain ancient artifacts that can be considered early versions of this toy.

For example, in Iran a bowl was found that could be a predecessor to the zoetrope. This bowl was made of ceramic and is about five thousand years old.

It is an artifact decorated with a set of paintings of a goat that leaps into a bush and feeds on leaves. The way in which these images are arranged makes archaeologists believe that if the pottery were to rotate rapidly, movement could be perceived.

Currently, it is still unknown whether whoever built and molded this bowl intended to give the images a sense of movement.

When the first zoetropes were made, they had to be activated by users, who had to rotate the drum with their own hands.

However, with the technological development of the early twentieth century, the zoetrope was activated through a rope that was mobilized by a handle located on the sides of the device.

How does it work?

The zoetrope is a mobile cylinder that has the ability to rotate on its own axis; in addition, it consists of a series of grooves throughout its entire body. Inside this cylinder or drum, images are placed that are superimposed on a strip.

Generally, these are images that maintain a sequence or are related to each other. In this way the illusion of movement or displacement of objects inside the drum is guaranteed.

When the cylinder begins to rotate, the spectators perceive a sensation of movement through the slits due to the persistence of the human retina: it links the images it contemplates, turning them into one.

How to make a homemade zoetrope: materials

To make a zoetrope, first you must have black cardboard paper, which will be used as the edge of the drum and the grooves will be opened later. You should also have on hand white paper, marker (preferably black), thick adhesive tape and scissors.

In addition, a craft knife or box cutter can be used to make cuts more precisely; You will also need a screw (just to be used as a diameter reference) and a circular rim box that has a top or lid. To promote movement you can use a glass basin or a meter.

Process

First, some pieces of the adhesive tape must be cut into a rectangular shape; each of the pieces should measure between 3 or 4 centimeters.

After this a hole is made in the bottom of the lid of the circular box. This hole must be larger than the diameter of the screw that has been selected; also, the hole must be centered.

Afterwards, the adhesive tape is glued above the hole on the outside, to then be cut radially on the inside. A glass basin is then placed in the hole where the adhesive tape was cut; that is to say, on the inside.

The basin should protrude slightly from the edge of the box, so the tape will open slightly. Leftover pieces of tape should be removed with scissors.

Painted images

The images are then traced on a strip of white paper, which should be the same length as the circumference of the box. That is, the strip must surround the inside of the box without missing or on white paper.

Completed the previous step, take the cardboard or black paper and cut a ribbon; this must have the slits through which the images will be displayed.

This strip should be slightly smaller than the box or container. In addition, it must be ensured that there is symmetry in the distance of the slots (these must be separated depending on the number of images).

The black tape or strip should be placed around the inside of the box, so it should be seen as a kind of crown. In the middle of this, the basin that was previously placed must remain.

Embedding images on the strip

Now the image tape must be inserted inside the black strip. The slits should be seen above the white strip and the images should be below the slits.

Finally, the zoetrope can now be rotated: it will move thanks to the glass basin. In order to enjoy the animated effect, you must look through the slits cut in the black paper. The turn of the box should be similar to that of a spinning top.

References

1. Briceño, G. (sf) Zoetrope. Retrieved on June 17, 2019 from Euston 96: euston96.com
2. Porta, D. (sf) History of animation. Retrieved on June 17, 2019 from History of Animation: historiadelaanimacion.wordpress.com
3. A. (sf) How to make a Zoetrope. Retrieved on June 17, 2019 from Wiki How: en.wikihow.com
4. A. (sf.) Zoetrope. Retrieved on June 17, 2019 from AntiQuus, Viejos ingenios: antiquus.es
5. A. (sf) Zoetrope. Retrieved on June 17, 2019 from Wikipedia: es.wikipedia.org
6. A. (2016) Build your Zoetrope. Retrieved on June 17, 2019 from Science and pencil: Cienciaylapicero.com