Waldi
Mascot
1972 (manufactured)
1972 (manufactured)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The first Olympic mascot 'Waldi' a Daschund dog appeared at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games. Mascots are used to communicate the Olympic spirit to the general public, especially youth and children. They are usually a character or animal native to the country where the games are being held and showcase the history and culture unique to the host city. In more recent years it has been common to have more than one mascot. This could be to ensure gender equity but has undoubtedly increased the merchandising potential of the Olympic mascot.
Waldi, designed by Otl Aicher was the first official Olympic mascot. He was modelled on a real dog called Cherie von Birkenhof. A Daschund dog was chosen because they are popular in Bavaria but also possess qualities which are indispensable to an athlete: resistance, tenacity and agility. The pastel colours express the gaiety and joy of the Olympic Games.
Waldi, designed by Otl Aicher was the first official Olympic mascot. He was modelled on a real dog called Cherie von Birkenhof. A Daschund dog was chosen because they are popular in Bavaria but also possess qualities which are indispensable to an athlete: resistance, tenacity and agility. The pastel colours express the gaiety and joy of the Olympic Games.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Waldi (manufacturer's title) |
| Materials and techniques | Fabric and felt |
| Brief description | A Daschund made as an Olympic Mascot for the 1972 Munich Olympics, designed by Oti Aicher and made in Munich |
| Physical description | A Daschund dog plush toy with a striped body made of coloured bands of light blue, lilac, yellow, lime green and orange. It has stuck on black felt eyes and nose. |
| Dimensions |
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| Subjects depicted | |
| Association | |
| Summary | The first Olympic mascot 'Waldi' a Daschund dog appeared at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games. Mascots are used to communicate the Olympic spirit to the general public, especially youth and children. They are usually a character or animal native to the country where the games are being held and showcase the history and culture unique to the host city. In more recent years it has been common to have more than one mascot. This could be to ensure gender equity but has undoubtedly increased the merchandising potential of the Olympic mascot. Waldi, designed by Otl Aicher was the first official Olympic mascot. He was modelled on a real dog called Cherie von Birkenhof. A Daschund dog was chosen because they are popular in Bavaria but also possess qualities which are indispensable to an athlete: resistance, tenacity and agility. The pastel colours express the gaiety and joy of the Olympic Games. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | B.149-2009 |
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| Record created | January 26, 2010 |
| Record URL |
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