A Timeline of the History of Miniatures: From Ritual and Religious Object to Plaything and Collectible Jennifer Nichole Wells, BFA 3 years ago Toys or ritual votives? "Split-twig figurines" from the Archaic Period of southwest North America. A re-look at a past post, miniatures since the beginning of time. Share this:Print A Timeline of the History of Miniatures: From Ritual and Religious Object to Plaything and CollectibleA Timeline of the History of Miniatures: From Ritual and Religious Object to Plaything and CollectibleThat “Oldest Action Figure” Picture You Keep Seeing