Toy figure
Britains
Category
Toys
Date
Unknown
Materials
Unspecified
Order this imageCollection
Overbeck's House, Devon
NT 1413318.2
Summary
A model figure of a stereotypical representation of a Native American wearing a red, white and blue headdress and yellow trousers. Second in a group of two model figures. Toy soldiers have been popular since at least the 18th century. In 1893 William Britain, a British toy manufacturer, invented a method of hollow casting that made the brand, Britains Ltd., a market leader. Britain produced toys 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. Soldiers box 1
Makers and roles
Britains , manufacturer