Toy figure
Category
Toys
Date
Unknown
Materials
Metal
Measurements
53 mm (height)
Place of origin
England
Order this imageCollection
Sudbury Hall Museum of Childhood, Derbyshire
NT 666740
Summary
A metal model figure of a stereotypical representation of a Native American wearing a headdress and necklace. The figure is painted red (extensive paint loss), holds a rifle and is standing on a rectangular base painted blue. 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.
Marks and inscriptions
On the back of the right leg: 'ENGLAND'