Summary

Alternative Name(s): Jacks

One of five natural (bone) knucklebone jacks, four dyed different colours. Part of a collection of toys kept in a wicker basket (HT 64462) by Dr Factor, which she used when talking to children about play on her many visits to schools. 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

One natural bone coloured knucklebone jack.

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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