Money box
probably J. & E. Stevens Co.
Category
Household and miscellaneous
Date
1889 - 1899
Materials
Cast iron
Measurements
250 mm (length); 70 mm (width); 190 mm (height)
Place of origin
United States
Order this imageCollection
Sudbury Hall Museum of Childhood, Derbyshire
NT 665086
Summary
A cast iron money box in the form of a stereotypical representation of a Native American figure and a bear. Both are standing on a green base. The Native American figure, who is kneeling and has a quiver of arrows over their right shoulder, fires a coin which is 'collected' by the upright bear, in a slot between the paws. There are remnants of red and yellow paint on the Native American figure and a green handle in the base. A similar example is held in the collection at Llanerchaeron, Wales (NT 551994). The representation of Native Americans in this toy is of a generic ‘American Indian’ stereotype that does not reflect the diversity of Indigenous nations. This stereotype was perpetuated by 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.
Makers and roles
probably J. & E. Stevens Co., manufacturer(?)