2184 – Political Poppet Curse Hitler Pin Cushion

Physical description:

Comical figure of Hitler, bending over, with a pin cushion for his rear with 3 pins.

Museum classification:

Curses

Size:

113x45x90

Information:

Several types of this pin cushion were sold in the US. They quickly became popular after President Roosevelt acquired one for his desk. This is the "Hotzi Notzi" pin cushion, which was sold for 69 cents, and originally came with a label with the words, "It is good luck to find a pin/Here's an 'Axis' to stick it in."

In another interesting example of invoking witchcraft traditions against the enemy during World War II, the young women of the ATS who manned anti-aircraft guns wore fabric shoulder badges depicting a witch on a broomstick on a blue and red background (the colours of the Royal Artillery); and their motto was "We sweep the skies".

Resource:

Object

Materials:

Plaster, fabric and pins

Several types of this pin cushion were sold in the US. They quickly became popular after President Roosevelt acquired one for his desk. This is the "Hotzi Notzi" pin cushion, which was sold for 69 cents, and originally came with a label with the words, "It is good luck to find a pin/Here's an 'Axis' to stick it in."

In another interesting example of invoking witchcraft traditions against the enemy during World War II, the young women of the ATS who manned anti-aircraft guns wore fabric shoulder badges depicting a witch on a broomstick on a blue and red background (the colours of the Royal Artillery); and their motto was "We sweep the skies".