The 1971 R&L Totem Pole Cereal Toys consisted of 8 pieces designed to fit together to create a totem pole.
Made in a range of 11 colours in Australia, the same moulds were used later in Mexico and Yellow was added to the colour range.
The colours were Turquiose, Orange, White, Pink, Beige, Aqua, Blue, Grey, Brown, Green and Lilac. Yellow for Mexico issues. Red and a Light Blue also sighted but are not Australian issue colours.
The characters are named as: (colours as a quick ref. of my collection – more colours wanted!)
- Dragon Tooth (Aqua, Beige, Blue, White)
- Eagle Beak (Orange, Blue, White)
- Happy Hands (Orange, Blue)
- Owl Eyes (Brown)
- Jug Ears (Orange, Grey, Beige)
- Hairy Watha (Aqua, Brown, Beige, White, Pink)
- Bone Head (Brown, Beige, Blue, Pink)
- Big Foot (Orange, Blue, Aqua, Beige, Grey, Brown)
Not issued in the USA over concerns that American Indians may take offence at the characterisations.
The bottom open rim is often cracked on play-worn pieces.
1971 Totem Pole Jug Ears
R&L Cereal Toys
Front View, Orange, Grey, Beige
A selection of 1971 Totem Pole Dragon Tooth
R&L Cereal Toys
Front view. Aqua, Beige, Blue, White
A selection of 1971 Totem Pole Dragon Tooth
R&L Cereal Toys
Rear view. Aqua, Beige, Blue, White
1971 Totem Pole Happy Hands
R&L Cereal Toys
Front View, Orange, Blue
1971 Totem Pole Happy Hands
R&L Cereal Toys
Rear View, Orange, Blue
With thanks to Pete from WA for keeping his cereal toy collection in such great condition. Most of these have been added to my cabinet. Nice R&L examples from 1971.
1971 Totem Pole Jug Ears
R&L Cereal Toys
Rear View, Orange, Grey, Beige
For other cereal toy series and information refer back to the main section page, Australian Cereal Toy Premiums.