Figure
Category
Toys
Date
Unknown
Materials
Painted metal
Measurements
75 mm (H); 70 mm (L)
Order this imageCollection
Wightwick Manor, West Midlands
NT 1289811
Summary
A metal model figure depicting a stereotypical representation of a Native American mounted on a white horse. The figure is wearing a painted yellow top, blue trousers and a headdress. Part of the left hind leg and the figure's hand are missing. The tail is also missing. Toy soldiers have been popular since at least the 18th century. Toys were produced which replicated famous conflicts, including those known as the ‘Indian Wars’ in the western United States (1811-1924). These conflicts had been fictionalised and brought to British audiences via Wild West stage shows and later Western films. Caricatures in these entertainments informed the game of 'Cowboys and Indians' which became popular in the United States and United Kingdom. The representation of Native Americans in these toys does not reflect the diversity of Indigenous nations, and perpetuates a stereotype of Indigenous peoples as aggressive antagonists.