Jake the Snake thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Jake the Snake

Figure
1990 (manufactured)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Wrestling became very popular TV entertainment in the 1980s. It was brought to TV by the WWF, World Wrestling Federation, now known as the WWE , World Wrestling Entertainment. This new kind of wrestling came with a circus-like gimmick. It was big and brash with bright colours, noise and hyped up energy. The wrestlers took on names like Hulk Hogan, The Rock and Jake the Snake. Matches were promoted by Vincent McMahon and his company Titan Sports Inc. His company had great success in generating income through advertising, TV deals and from the merchandise. They sold the rights to companies like Hasbro to make WWF action figures and other accessories that proved to be very popular. Children could buy their favourite wrestling stars. The figures were popular with adult collectors too. WWE is still popular today with shows like Raw and Smackdown but no longer has the public intensity it had in the 1980s.


Object details

Category
Object type
TitleJake the Snake (manufacturer's title)
Materials and techniques
Moulded plastic
Brief description
Plastic articulated WWF figure, Jake the Snake, made in China by Titan Sport Inc. (Hasbro Inc) in 1990
Physical description
Plastic WWF figure with a joined waist, neck and arms. There is a spring visible in the right arm (that no longer works). He has long dark moulded hair and moustache. The figure is wearing brown and black wrestling boots with green leggings with a purple design on them.
Dimensions
  • Height: 10.8cm
Production typeMass produced
Credit line
Given by Halina Pasierbska
Production
Made for Titan Sports Inc
Summary
Wrestling became very popular TV entertainment in the 1980s. It was brought to TV by the WWF, World Wrestling Federation, now known as the WWE , World Wrestling Entertainment. This new kind of wrestling came with a circus-like gimmick. It was big and brash with bright colours, noise and hyped up energy. The wrestlers took on names like Hulk Hogan, The Rock and Jake the Snake. Matches were promoted by Vincent McMahon and his company Titan Sports Inc. His company had great success in generating income through advertising, TV deals and from the merchandise. They sold the rights to companies like Hasbro to make WWF action figures and other accessories that proved to be very popular. Children could buy their favourite wrestling stars. The figures were popular with adult collectors too. WWE is still popular today with shows like Raw and Smackdown but no longer has the public intensity it had in the 1980s.
Collection
Accession number
B.57-2004

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Record createdSeptember 16, 2004
Record URL
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