How The Inflatable, Flailing Men Came To Be

If you live in America, you’ve definitely seen a big, inflatable tube man before. Whether it’s outside a store during a huge sale, or just at a car dealership year round. Where did they come from? Well, this video finally answers that question. Turns out, these inflatable columns weren’t meant to be as goofy as we perceive them now. They were actually made as an art statement for the 1996 Summer Olympics, and are supposed to look lie people dancing during Carnivale. Who knew?

We’re not sure that we’ll be able to see them as “art” ever again. But what we do know is, we’re grateful that they’ve inspired great Halloween costumes such as this one.