Sam the Olympic Eagle
Olympic Mascot
1980 (manufactured)
1980 (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.
"Sam" the bald-headed eagle is the national bird of the United States. He shares the name of Uncle Sam another American symbol. His designer Robert Moore worked for another famous American institution, Disney World.
"Sam" the bald-headed eagle is the national bird of the United States. He shares the name of Uncle Sam another American symbol. His designer Robert Moore worked for another famous American institution, Disney World.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Sam the Olympic Eagle (manufacturer's title) |
| Materials and techniques | Fabric |
| Brief description | Eagle plush toy made in 1980 by Wallace Berrie Company in Korea for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. |
| Physical description | Sam the bald-headed eagle wears a red outfit with striped bow tie and red, white and blue top hat with Olympic logo. He has a yellow beak and feet and plastic eyes. The original merchandising tag is still attached. |
| Dimensions |
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| Production type | Mass produced |
| Marks and inscriptions | 'The air is filled with excitement. / The competition is fierce and keen. / I am hosting the 1984 Olympic Games / With the best athletes we've ever seen.' |
| Subject 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. "Sam" the bald-headed eagle is the national bird of the United States. He shares the name of Uncle Sam another American symbol. His designer Robert Moore worked for another famous American institution, Disney World. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | B.150-2009 |
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| Record created | January 26, 2010 |
| Record URL |
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