Toy figure
John Hill & Co.
Category
Toys
Date
Unknown
Materials
Metal
Measurements
Each figure - 60 mm (height)
Collection
Sudbury Hall Museum of Childhood, Derbyshire
NT 664479
Summary
Eight metal model figures depicting stereotypical representations of Native Americans. Each figure wears two beige feathers, a light brown jacket, dark brown trousers and holds a tomahawk. Toy soldiers have been popular since at least the 18th century. Companies including Johillco and the market leader, W. 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.
Makers and roles
John Hill & Co., maker