Summary

Small split cane basket, lacquered. Given as a present to June Factor on her 19th birthday (16 September 1955) by her Aunty Helen. The basket was used by Dr Factor when talking to children about play on her many visits to schools from the 1970s to circa 2010s. It contained a variety of play items including knucklebones, marbles, a chatterbox, football cards, an autograph book, a top and a yo-yo, which have also been donated to Museums Victoria.

Part of ACFC Series 7, Dr June Factor, Research, Documentation & Publications, 1970s-2024 (HT 27756).

Physical Description

Small split cane basket with hinged lid, lacquered. Strips of orange and green on lid and sides. Two handles at front and two toggle fasteners and hoops. String hinge on one side to stop lid from falling back when opened. One loose wicker piece stored inside.

Significance

The play basket and contents were used by Dr June Factor during her work with children over several decades, including education (talking to children about play) and observation in school playgrounds. Dr Factor (1936-2024) was a well-known and highly respected folklorist, social historian and writer who donated the Australian Children's Folklore Collection (ACFC) to Museums Victoria in 1999. The ACFC contains a significant amount of research undertaken by Dr Factor and her students, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s.

The contents of her basket would have been updated over time, and reflect the collection as it was last used by Dr Factor, late in life. Many of the basket contents are already represented in the MV collection, but it is considered that the significance of the donation lies in the entirety of contents of the basket - the assemblage of games and toys that June felt were suitable and appropriate for her work with children.

The basket itself was originally given to Dr Factor as a present on her 19th birthday from her Aunty Helen - so has a long personal association with June.

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