A Short List of Internet Links on the Subject of Medieval Toys As part of preparing to accept the great responsibility that

is the Griffin Thrones of Avacal, the Heirs traditionally issue a call for donations of largess that will be presented as gifts to Nobles and Gentles alike as They deem fit during Their Reign. In this manner, the talents and skills of the People of Avacal are showcased far and wide during Their Royal travels, and word fame of the generosity of the Principality of Avacal shall continue to grow across the Known World. On August 16th AS XXXXIII, Their Highnesses Toryn Davinsson and Natal'ia Volkovicha accepted the Griffin Thrones of Avacal and They have seen fit continue this fine custom. A wide variety of gifts are being sought and donations in the form of period toys, games, and childrens activities are traditionally included on the largess list. In honour of Her Hignesses joy in children and family, and mindful that children are the future of our Noble Society, I respectfully present unto the skilled and talented Artisans and Craft persons of Avacal this small list of online resources. Perhaps it may inspire in you the desire to present Their Hignesses with a period toy that, originally gifted to them by a Prince or Princess of Avacal, might be fondly and favourably remembered by a Noble or Gentle many, many years from now. Brgia Vadesbana Vinjar (Flowery speech above by Baron James Douglas. What? You thought I could write all pretty like that? Ha!) http://www.britarch.ac.uk/ba/ba35/ba35feat.html#egan From British Archaeology, Issue 35. A brief article on toys in the Medieval period by Geoff Egan. http://larsdatter.com/toys.htm Karen Larsdatters collection of links to images of toys, and images (illuminations and paintings) of toys being played with. Some links are broken, most are fine. No how-to instructions, but good primary sources. http://aelflaed.homemail.com.au/doco/toysyoucanmake.html From Aelflead of the Weald (India Ollerenshaw) 2005. Class notes listing a variety of toys that would be easy to make. No extensive instructions, though a few items have suggestions. Short bibliography. http://florilegium.org/files/CHILDREN/Toys-in-th-MA-art.html

From Margritte of Ravenscroft (Kimberly Tuttle) 1999. Article on various toys of the Middle Ages. Musical toys, military toys, wind toys, and ballgames discussed briefly. Discussion on dolls is more extensive. Short bibliography.

http://aelflaed.homemail.com.au/doco/vikingtoychest.html From Aelflead of the Weald (India Ollerenshaw) 2005. A long article on toys specifically found in Northern Europe in the Viking Age. Includes a discussion on the material culture and society in which the toys were found, stylistic elements, and materials. Covers toy weapons, carved animals, miniature ships, dolls, balls, spinning toys, propeller toys, and miniature household items. Good bibliography. http://florilegium.org/files/CHILDREN/toys-msg.html http://florilegium.org/files/CHILDREN/dolls-msg.html Two collections of messages from Stefans Florilegium, on toys and dolls, respectively. http://aelflaed.homemail.com.au/doco/dolls.html From Aelflead of the Weald (India Ollerenshaw) 2002. An article on a wide variety of dolls found across Europe, principally wooden, metal, and clay. Brief discussion of rag dolls, and edible dolls as well. Excellent bibliography. http://www.ashmolean.org/documents/TTAtextilesflyer.pdf From the Ashmolean Museum. Another rag doll from Egypt, 4th cen. CE http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/renaissance_quarterly/v060/60.1croizat.html From Renaissance Quarterly Vol. 60, Issue 1. An article on Fashion Dolls of the Renaissance, including a brief discussion of their use as toys. http://www.angelfire.com/wy/svenskildbiter/Viking/vikhorse.html From Stephen Francis Wyley. Basic (VERY basic) instructions on how to carve a small wooden horse. Includes images of a few different wooden horses from different sites. Short bibliography, slightly longer Further Reading list. http://aelflaed.homemail.com.au/doco/balls.html From Aelflead of the Weald (India Ollerenshaw) 2004. A longish article on the history of balls. Includes discussion of a number of ball-types and where they were found, a long but partial listing of ballgames (with brief descriptions of some), and short discussions of manufacturing regulations in the High Middle Ages and the use of balls in ritual contexts. Also includes diagrams with three designs of piece-sewn and stuffed balls. Good bibliography for further research. http://www.pjb.com.au/jug/leatherballs.html http://www.reeddesign.co.uk/kitehist.htm From John Bate's The Mysteryes of Art and Nature, dated 1635. Instructions on making a Fire Drake- a kite with a flaming tail.

http://florilegium.org/files/UNCAT/medievl-kites-art.html From Ella du Soleil (Emilie Bush) 1997. A brief article on the history of European kites. Short bibliography. http://www.florilegium.org/files/UNCAT/Medievl-Kites-bib.html From Archer MacRobert (Mike Wilson) 2002. Extensive bibliography on kites and kite making from a SCAdian who teaches kite-making.