Abstract: A demonstration appliance has a human figure comprising a head region, a foot region with a convex downward or pointed foot surface, and a block whose height matches that of the foot region. The block comprises at least two, preferably three, superimposed separable layers and has an upward-opening recess for receiving the foot region. Said recess is formed by an opening in each layer. The opening in the first layer has an overdimension with respect to and around the lower part of the foot region which is lodged in the first layer, such that the latter alone loosely holds the foot region and, hence the figure, and, in the event of shaking, for example if the figure is lightly tapped, will not prevent tilting. The shape of the opening in the other layer is adapted to the corresponding part of the foot region so that the foot region lodged in the openings of the superimposed layers cannot be tilted from the vertical through an angle greater than +/-10.degree..