Important Carved and Painted Tobacconist's Figure of an American Indian, possibly Baltimore, MD or Wilmington, DE Area, late 19th century, in the form of a standing Indian with shawl, necklace, and feathered headdress, holding tobacco leaves in one hande and a cigar box in the other. Good detail to carving, including fringe and crosshatching to tunic, fringed border and wrinkles to pants, and whimsical facial expression with subtle smile. Polychrome-painted surface. Distinctive characteristics of this Indian, including the size of the figure, stylized base, and manner in which the tobacco leaves are carved, link it to an unknown carver active in the Baltimore, MD and Wilmington, DE areas, during the latter part of the 19th century. Literature: For discussion on a similar Indian carving, see Cigar Artists in Wood, Frederick Fried, 1970, p. 21, fig. 12. Provenance: From a long-term Western Pennsylvania collection. Original paint with some inpainting. Expected crack in front of figure. Small area of white fill above right knee. Height (including base) 52 1/2".