The year is 1517. The place? Munich Germany. The "Black Death" had ravaged Europe for the last 200 years. In Munich, thousands of people have died and the population has become so scared, that all social life has almost died as well. To cheer the people up, and to make them come out on the streets again, a "cooper" or barrel maker had the idea of organizing a joyful spectacle. To further the idea, the coopers searched for another guild to join in. Eventually the butchers were willing to help them by jumping into the fountain "Fischerbrunnen" at the end of the event to show that the air and water were clean again. Thus was born the "Schafflertanz" or the dance of the Coopers. This ritual is performed every 7 years from Janury 6th to February 21st.

To honor this years event, Steiff has produced the "Schaffler" Teddy Bear exclusively for Galeria Kauhof in Munich. Made of pure white mohair, he is five way jointed and has black boot button eyes and a hand stitched nose and mouth. He is dressed in a light red felt jacket with white tape at the hem and gold buttons, black knee length cotton trousers, an apron and a green felt hat with blue and white feathers. He is also holding a garland wrapped hoop which is the symbol of the coopers.

If you would like to watch a video of the Schafflertanz, you can click on this link.

Available Late March
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Sorry, discounts do not apply

Price $299
EAN 673450
Size 11 in,
Edition Year 2012
Limited edition of 1,500

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