Religious Figure
1935-1955 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
For many centuries, Christian religion played an important part in children’s lives across Europe. Children would have accompanied their family to weekly worship. They would have had prayers said in their homes on a regular basis and been surrounded by religious statues and images. This was particularly the case in Catholic households.
One of the natural play instincts of children is to copy adult behaviour and a fascination with religious ritual would have led to a desire to play act. The toys used to play at keeping house – dolls and tea sets – were common in the 18th and 19th centuries, but religious toys did not become prevalent until the early 20th century.
These examples are German but are probably based on earlier French toys.
One of the natural play instincts of children is to copy adult behaviour and a fascination with religious ritual would have led to a desire to play act. The toys used to play at keeping house – dolls and tea sets – were common in the 18th and 19th centuries, but religious toys did not become prevalent until the early 20th century.
These examples are German but are probably based on earlier French toys.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 18 parts. (Some alternative part names are also shown below)
|
| Materials and techniques | cast and painted metal |
| Brief description | Metal religious procession figures and accessories, by Berliner Zinnfiguren, Germany, mid 20th century |
| Production type | Mass produced |
| Summary | For many centuries, Christian religion played an important part in children’s lives across Europe. Children would have accompanied their family to weekly worship. They would have had prayers said in their homes on a regular basis and been surrounded by religious statues and images. This was particularly the case in Catholic households. One of the natural play instincts of children is to copy adult behaviour and a fascination with religious ritual would have led to a desire to play act. The toys used to play at keeping house – dolls and tea sets – were common in the 18th and 19th centuries, but religious toys did not become prevalent until the early 20th century. These examples are German but are probably based on earlier French toys. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | B.99:1-18-2011 |
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| Record created | July 27, 2012 |
| Record URL |
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