Model
Heyde
Category
Toys
Date
Unknown
Materials
Metal
Measurements
64 mm (height); 78 mm (length)
Place of origin
Dresden
Order this imageCollection
Sudbury Hall Museum of Childhood, Derbyshire
NT 664460
Summary
A group of six model figures on horseback depicting stereotypical representations of Native Americans. Four are wearing red, white and blue clothing with feather headdresses. All have their right hands raised, as if carrying something which is now missing. Three of the horses are galloping. One horse is trotting. Two riders are mounted on black horses, but are otherwise the same as the others. All the riders are separate from the horses and slot on to them. Toy soldiers have been popular since at least the 18th century. Heyde, a German company, specialised in tin figures. Like their British counterparts they produced toys which replicated famous conflicts and events. These figures may be part of a 'buffalo hunt' set produced by Heyde which was likely inspired by the popularity of William 'Buffalo Bill' Cody's Wild West stage shows which toured Europe. 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.
Makers and roles
Heyde , maker