Nodders

Nodders, also called nodding figures or pagods, are figures with heads and hands that are attached to wires. Any slight movement causes the parts to move up and down. They were made in many countries during the eighteenth, nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty-first centuries. A few Art Deco designs are also known. Copies are being made. A more recent type of nodder is made of papier-mache or plastic. These nodders were used as prizes in games or giveaways at fairs or circuses. They often represent sports figures or comic characters. Sports nodders are listed as bobbin' heads in the Sports category. For more information, explore our identification guides for toys and pottery and porcelain.