United States, ca. late 19th to early century CE. A tall wooden statue of a cigar store Indian, a figure once used to advertise tobacconists. The chief stands upright wearing a tall feathered headdress as well as traditional leather clothing with fringes, and carrying a hatchet. In one hand is a bundle of rolled cigars, a symbol of his purpose. The face and hands are painted a bright red hue, and black hair hangs past his shoulders. Size: 10" L x 8" W x 49" H (25.4 cm x 20.3 cm x 124.5 cm)

This figure was intended to be eye catching and easily recognizable by illiterate people. Tobacco was cultivated by Native Americans for thousands of years and became popular with the Europeans as a cash crop for use and trade. Tobacco shops quickly popped up around Europe and the American colonies. The illiterate could easily identify these shops by the large carvings of Native Americans, often holding bundles of cigars and dressed in eye catching feather headdresses, much like this example. These statues fell out of favor in the early 20th century, largely due to sidewalk obstruction laws; however, they are now highly collectible items. This is a fine example!

Provenance: private Glorieta, New Mexico, USA collection

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#149923

Large stable fissures on front. Surface abrasions, nicks, and chips. Expected fading of pigments. Overall, great preservation of details.