Artefacts

Munich 1972, Waldi, the Games' mascot.

Physical description

Basset shape stuffed toy, with a six colors serie.

Created

Created: Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXth Olympiad, Munich 1972 Created: Anker Created: Elena WINSCHERMANN

Materials

textile

Colors

multi coloured

Dimension

23 x 44 cm, 250 g

Literature

Témoins d'une certaine image des Jeux / Evoking an Image of the Games. Lausanne : Musée Olympique, 2003. 148 p. ISBN 92-9160-074-1. Novum Gebrauchsgraphik - International Advertising Art - Graphisme publicitaire - Arte Grafico Publicitario.. München, 7/1972. Die Spiele : the Official Report of the Organizing Committtee for the Games of the XXth Olympiad Munich 1972, vol. I. Munich : Prosport, cop. 1974. BECKER, Jonathan. The Unauthorized Guide to Olympic Pins & Memorabilia. Schiffer Publishing Ltd: Atglen, USA, 2002. ISBN 0-7643-1491-2. The Treasures of the Olympic Games / texts by Martha Macintosh. London: Carlton Books, 2008. The Treasures of the Olympic Games / texts by Martha Macintosh. London: Carlton Books, 2011. The Treasures of the Olympic Games / texts by Martha Macintosh. London: Carlton Books, 2016.

Type of item

Souvenirs -> Doll

Reference number

32640

Keywords

Munich 1972, Olympic Games dog Olympic mascot

Notes

Although mascots encapsulate the spirit of the host country, and act as a bridge between visitors and their hosts, they are also a significant source of revenue. It was Schuss, the unofficial mascot of the Grenoble Games in 1968, that heralded the arrival of the first novelty items. They now flood the market at each edition of the Games, regardless of quality! The Organising Committee was certainly aware of the aspect when it created Waldi, a little dachshund. Not only is the dachshund “very popular in Bavaria, it also has qualities that are essential to athletes: strength, determination and agility.” Its commercial exploitation began in mid-1970, as did that of the emblem. According to the Official Report, “There are over 50 “Waldi” license holders, and manufacturers are obliged to pay a minimum license fee in advance.” Two million Waldi coat hangers, key rings, purses, cuddly toys, etc, were sold in 20 countries.