Toy figure
Category
Toys
Date
Unknown
Materials
Plastic
Measurements
48 mm (width); 92 mm (height)
Collection
Sudbury Hall Museum of Childhood, Derbyshire
NT 669543
Summary
A plastic model figure of a stereotypical representation of a Native American holding a rifle raised in the air with the other arm extended. The figure has braided hair with two feathers and is wearing a lance around the neck and full length trousers. A belt has a pouch on the left side and a tomahawk on the right. The figure is standing on an integral plastic oblong base. Toy soldiers have been popular since at least the 18th century. Earlier models were cast in lead, with plastic versions becoming common after the Second World War. 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.