Wampus (The Brave) - Wheaties Cereal mask (1940s-50s) - backside

The “Wampas the Brave” mask was issued by Wheaties in the late 1940s–50s during their long-running cereal box premium series. Rendered with exaggerated eyebrows, broad nose, and a feathered headband, this character reflected the period’s fascination with “tribal” and Western motifs in children’s play culture.

Like all Wheaties masks, Wampas was printed directly on the backside of the cereal box, meant to be cut out and discarded after brief play. Because of this, very few survive intact today—especially full, uncut panels like this example. Collectors of vintage cereal ephemera and mid-century advertising rank Wampas among the most striking masks in the set.

Measures: 10 x 12.5 inches
Date: 1940s–1950s
Origin: Wheaties cereal backside premium

Rarity: Wampas is far harder to find than common Wheaties characters such as Harold Teen or Firefang the Tiger. Complete panels surface only rarely, making it one of the scarcer masks in the series. Its bold design and cultural context place it among the more desirable and valuable Wheaties premiums.