Summary

Silk scarf manufactured in Japan as a souvenir of the 1956 Olympics which were held in Melbourne, Australia.

The XVIth Olympiad (the Olympic Games) hosted by Melbourne in 1956, is considered a watershed event in the city's history; it was instrumental in helping create the 'modern' and 'international' city of today. A variety of souvenirs was produced for the games; handkerchiefs, tea towels, scarves, playing cards, swap cards, crockery, ashtrays, etc. These souvenirs drew upon Olympic imagery: the Olympic torch (frequently positioned over the map of Victoria), the Olympic rings, the flags of participating nations, etc.

This scarf is one of many souvenirs of the Melbourne Olympic Games of 1956 that found a ready market both within Melbourne and throughout Australia. It was bought by the donor's mother as a keepsake of what was an important civic event. Though neither of the donor's parents attended any of the sporting events, they were caught up in the excitement of having the games in Melbourne. This particular scarf was never worn, but the donor recalls her mother and aunt had other Olympic souvenir scarves that were worn, with pride, all the time.

Physical Description

Silk scarf printed in full colour. It features a yellow map of Australia with images of fauna (sheep, kangaroos, camels, pigs, cattle) and flora (wheat, grapes, pine trees, pineapples). The Olympic rings are printed in each corner, and the Olympic torch radiates out from Melbourne. A small label is attached lower left corner.

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