Jig doll facts for kids
Jig dolls are traditional toys that can be made from wood or tin. They are special dolls with loose arms and legs. When placed on a vibrating board, they look like they are dancing! They often copy the movements of a real step dancer.
In London, street performers called buskers often used jig dolls. They would entertain people on the streets. After World War I, some soldiers used these dolls to earn extra money. This helped them because their war pensions were very small.
Most jig dolls are about 20 to 30 centimeters (8 to 12 inches) tall. Their arms, hips, and knees are jointed, allowing them to move. Some even have ankle joints! Today, you can find jig dolls in many places. This includes the USA, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Europe, parts of Asia, and Australia.
Contents
What Are Jig Dolls Called?
Jig dolls have many different names around the world.
Names in the UK and Australia
In the UK and Australia, they are usually called jig dolls. But they also go by other names like:
- Dancing doll
- Busker's puppet
- Clogger
- Jigger
- Mr. Jollyboy or Mrs. Jollyboy (these were commercial versions made by Dover Toys in the UK)
A Mr. Jollyboy doll is even kept in the Norwich Museum!
Names in the USA
In the USA, jig dolls have different names. People might call them:
- Limberjack or limberjill
- Limbertoy
- Paddle puppet
- Stick puppet
Some commercial versions had fun names like:
- Dancing Dan or Dancin' Dan
- Dapper Dan
- Dancing Jo or Dancin' Jo
- Stepping Sam or Steppin' Sam
Names in Canada
In French-speaking parts of Canada, these dolls are known as les gigueux. This name comes from the French word for "jig."
Other Names
In one old patent (a special document that protects an invention), the term "Manipulable Doll" was used.
Different Kinds of Jig Dolls
Jig dolls are often homemade toys. This means people made them themselves!
Popular Characters and Animals
Jig dolls can look like many different things. Some common examples include:
- Sailors
- Folk dancers (both male and female)
- Native Americans
- Morris dancers (a type of traditional English folk dancer)
- Characters from Punch and Judy shows
- Even animals like frogs, horses, chickens, dogs, and cows!
How They Look
These dolls can be dressed in clothes. They might be painted with bright colors. Or, they can be left as bare, polished wood. Sometimes, their heads are carved to show special facial features.
People have even made jig dolls of famous people. For example, there was a doll of the Scottish entertainer Harry Lauder. More recently, a doll of former Prime Minister John Major was made. This doll danced on a board that had a picture of Margaret Thatcher on it.
Jig Dolls in Entertainment
Some performers who put on Punch and Judy puppet shows also use jig dolls. They use them to attract a crowd before their main show starts. One performer even had a jig doll that looked like Charlie Chaplin!
In the UK, some folk dance bands use jig dolls. They help entertain the audience during breaks in a barn dance. You might also see these dolls at live traditional music sessions in English pubs. In the past, people would often step dance themselves at these pub sessions.
In Québec and French-speaking Canada, jig dolls can even be used as a percussion instrument in a folk dance band. The plank the doll dances on might have a small microphone. This microphone connects to the PA system. This makes the doll's dancing sounds louder for everyone to hear!
Images for kids
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A Pierrot playing with a "Mr Jollyboy" or jig doll, c.1910
