Exploring the symbolism of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic mascots

By admin

The Vancouver 2010 Olympic symbol mascots were a crucial part of the Olympic Games held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. These mascots were created to represent the spirit and culture of the region and to engage and entertain fans of all ages. The main mascot was a mythical creature called Miga, which combined the characteristics of a sea bear, orca, and thunderbird. Miga symbolized the land, sea, and sky of the Vancouver region and represented the harmony between humans and nature. Another mascot was Quatchi, a friendly Sasquatch who embodied the adventure and exploration of the wilderness in British Columbia. Sporting a toque and earmuffs, Quatchi became an instant hit with fans and visitors alike.



Download image

By downloading this image you agree that you will not use it commercially, as defined in our full terms and conditions.

You can use the image for:

  • Non-commercial research and private study
  • Teaching and instruction
  • Non-commercial publishing (up to A5-size, and in print runs of up to 4000 copies)
  • Non-commercial online use, up to 768 pixels, and for up to 5 years
I agree to the full terms and conditions Download image JPG

Other uses, including exhibition catalogue and display, broadcast, advertising, book jackets and commercial packaging, are covered by our commercial terms.

If you would like a larger file, or to use the image in other ways, contact our Licensing team.

Download image No image available

We don’t have an image of this object online yet. V&A Images may have a photograph that we can’t show online, but it may be possible to supply one to you. Email us at [email protected] for guidance about fees and timescales, quoting the accession number: B.158-2009

Find out about our images Not currently on display at the V&A

Hodori

Olympic Mascot
1988 (manufactured) Tae Sung (manufacturer) Hyun, Kim (designer) South Korea (manufactured)

The first Olympic mascot 'Waldi' a Daschund dog appeared at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games. Mascots are used to communicate the Olympic spirit to the general public, especially youth and children. They are usually a character or animal native to the country where the games are being held and showcase the history and culture unique to the host city. In more recent years it has been common to have more than one mascot. This could be to ensure gender equity but has undoubtedly increased the merchandising potential of the Olympic mascot.

The name Hodori is derived from Ho meaning tiger and Dori a word used for boys in Korean. The tiger is a familiar figure in Korean myths and legends and symbolises the vigourous and marching spirit of the Korean people. Hodori was designed to be a friendly mascot representing Korea. He wears a traditional Sangmo hat of a Korean farmband player. The hat's spiralling streamer also forms an 'S' denoting Seoul the host city.

Sporting a toque and earmuffs, Quatchi became an instant hit with fans and visitors alike. Sumi was the third mascot, representing the Indigenous peoples of the region. This animal spirit was inspired by the Orca and the Thunderbird and showcased the rich cultural heritage of the First Nations.

Object details

Dolls & Toys Children & Childhood Olympics Olympic Mascot

This object consists of 2 parts.

Fabric and plastic Plush tiger and miniature Olympic stadium made in 1988 for the Seoul Olympics by Tae Sung

A plush Amir tiger in orange and white with black stripes and black plastic eyes. He has an Olympic rings medal around his neck. He wears a round black plastic hat with a clear plastic ribbon in the shape of an 'S'. He has magnets on his feet which attach to a base of a miniature Olympic stadium. Original merchandising tag attached.

Olympic Games Olympic Games

The first Olympic mascot 'Waldi' a Daschund dog appeared at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games. Mascots are used to communicate the Olympic spirit to the general public, especially youth and children. They are usually a character or animal native to the country where the games are being held and showcase the history and culture unique to the host city. In more recent years it has been common to have more than one mascot. This could be to ensure gender equity but has undoubtedly increased the merchandising potential of the Olympic mascot.

The name Hodori is derived from Ho meaning tiger and Dori a word used for boys in Korean. The tiger is a familiar figure in Korean myths and legends and symbolises the vigourous and marching spirit of the Korean people. Hodori was designed to be a friendly mascot representing Korea. He wears a traditional Sangmo hat of a Korean farmband player. The hat's spiralling streamer also forms an 'S' denoting Seoul the host city.

Young V&A Collection B.158-2009
Vancouver 2010 olympic symbol mascots

Last but not least, there was Mukmuk, a playful marmot who was introduced as a sidekick to the other mascots. Mukmuk was designed to be relatable to children and brought a sense of fun and humor to the Olympic Games. Overall, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic symbol mascots played a significant role in promoting and celebrating the culture and diversity of the region. They became beloved icons that brought joy and excitement to the Games, leaving a lasting impression on visitors and fans from around the world..

Reviews for "Quatchi, Miga, and Sumi: the unofficial ambassadors of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics"

1. John - 2 stars - I found the Vancouver 2010 Olympic symbol mascots to be incredibly underwhelming. The choice of three creatures, Miga, Quatchi, and Sumi, seemed random and did not represent the spirit of the Olympic Games. The designs were cartoonish and lacked the elegance and sophistication that I believe a mascot should have. Overall, I was disappointed with the mascots and felt that they did not properly capture the essence of the event.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I have to say, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic symbol mascots were a complete letdown. They looked like cheap, generic stuffed animals that you could find at any dollar store. I expected something more creative and representative of Canada and its culture. The mascots were forgettable and lacked any memorable qualities that would make them stand out. It's a shame that such an important event was represented by such uninspiring mascots.
3. David - 3 stars - While I wasn't particularly impressed by the Vancouver 2010 Olympic symbol mascots, I also didn't hate them. I thought they were cute in their own way, but they didn't have that "wow" factor that I was expecting. The designs were simple and lacked intricacy or depth. Overall, they seemed more appropriate for a children's cartoon than a major international sporting event. I think the organizers could have aimed for something more significant and impactful.

The enduring legacy of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic symbol mascots

Vancouver 2010 Olympic mascots: a celebration of Canadian wildlife and Indigenous culture