Historical information

Skittles or Nine Pins has been played since the 4th century. It is an old European lawn game. In general, players take turns to throw wooden balls down a lane at the end of which are several wooden skittles in an attempt to knock them all over. It evolved into ten pin bowling, one of the most popular pastimes around the world.
This is an indoor children's toy probably played on a carpeted passage inside. Skittles was an indoor game which could be played by the whole family.

Significance

This item reflects a time when simple games were enjoyed as a family. In rural areas where there was limited access to commercial recreation skittles would have been a popular pastime.

Physical description

Four wooden skittles. They are tapered with a knob at the top. All are painted black with two red bands towards the base. Two are smaller and have rounder bases. Under the bases are T-shaped ridges.