Snakes and ladders
Board Game
1920s (published)
1920s (published)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
When it was originally devised, Snakes and Ladders was a moral game. The virtues, in the shape of ladders, enabled the players to reach heaven quickly. The snakes were the vices for which the players were punished by having to move backwards. The game is generally thought to be a version of the Indian Moksha-Patamu religious instruction game. This is an English version that reflects the original ideals of the game. The design of the board also shows Indian influence.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Snakes and ladders (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Chromolithographed paper on card |
| Brief description | Snakes and Ladders board game made in England in the 1920s |
| Physical description | Design: chromolithograph mounted on card; folded in half; outside covered with red paper No. of squares: 108 Squares illustrated: Some Square numbering: all Squares titled: none Subject of starting square: n/a Subject of ending square: indian snake charmer |
| Dimensions |
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| Credit line | Given by Mrs E. M. Allen |
| Object history | On the front is a small printed label giving the title and an illustration of a crisscross of snakes and ladders. |
| Historical context | Rewards: forward movement along ladders Forfeits: backward movement along snakes No. of Players: any Equipment required: markers, dice Rules: Snakes and ladders rules apply Rules placement: ? |
| Summary | When it was originally devised, Snakes and Ladders was a moral game. The virtues, in the shape of ladders, enabled the players to reach heaven quickly. The snakes were the vices for which the players were punished by having to move backwards. The game is generally thought to be a version of the Indian Moksha-Patamu religious instruction game. This is an English version that reflects the original ideals of the game. The design of the board also shows Indian influence. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | MISC.5-1980 |
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| Record created | March 4, 2000 |
| Record URL |
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