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Carved American Flag Wooden Cigar Store Indian

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
Carved American Flag Wooden Cigar Store Indian
Featured in this lot is this hand carved, solid wood Cigar Store Indian, polychrome painted with an American Flag theme. The general Cigar Store Indian was first used in 17th century English shops to advertise American tobacco to a still illiterate European population. Historically, these carvings would be placed outside of tobacco outlets, signifying to passerby's that the establishment sold tobacco products. Loosely based on an 1875 carving by Thomas Brooks of New York's Auer Tobacco Company, this contemporary, solid wood carved Cigar Store Indian displays a dark painted Native American Warrior adorned with a full headdress, traditionally known as a trailer war bonnet, accent fringed leggings, moccasins, American flag designed breechcloth, and a knife in sheath situated on his waist belt right hip. The war bonnet also has red, white, and blue coloring. The figure is shown holding a cluster of cigars in his left hand while holding up his right hand and looking into the distance. His neck is wrapped with a badger hide. War bonnets were traditionally worn by male leaders of the tribe who have earned great respect. Originally, a full headdress would have been worn into battle, but now they are used primarily for ceremonial purposes. The condition of this cigar store Indian is good with no obvious signs of damage and shows good overall condition. The measurements of this cigar store Indian is 70 1/2" x 24" x 16" approximately.