Toy figure
Category
Toys
Date
Unknown
Materials
Metal
Measurements
Each model (min) - 27 mm (width); 40 mm (height), Each model (max) - 47 mm (width); 49 mm (height)
Collection
Sudbury Hall Museum of Childhood, Derbyshire
NT 666833
Summary
A pair of model figures depicting stereotypical representations of Native Americans wearing feathered headdresses. One is standing and one is riding a horse. Remnants of paint are visible. Part of the horse's legs and the arms of the standing figure are missing. 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.
Provenance
Donated to the Museum of Childhood by Mr Lawrence Bray in October 1978.