Title
Figurine of a female Red Guard
Year/Period
Late 1960s
Region
China
Material
Dimension
Object size: H 30 x W 11.5
Accession No.
1997-04891
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Mr Xu Cheng Bin
The identity of the figurine is indicated by the red armband worn, which has the characters, “红卫兵” (literally, Red Guard). Allegiance to Chairman Mao is represented by the volume of Mao Zedong’s Selected Works held in her hand. The Red Guards often wore paramilitary uniforms as seen on this figurine. As an expression of their revolutionary commitment, female Red Guards were eager to appear tough and masculine. They usually sported short hair and makeup was frowned upon.
