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Large Cigar Store Indian 19th Century from Illinois Museum

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
Large Cigar Store Indian 19th Century from Illinois Museum
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This is an exceptional hand carved Cigar Store Indian from the 19th century. The piece was purchased by Jan Green from the Peoria Illinois Museum’s deaccession sale in 20th century. Much in the traditional manner of classic Cigar Store Indians from makers such as Samuel Robb, this statue features the colorful headdress, accent fringed shaw, colorful belt, patterned high top moccasins and a fringe accented skirt all in wonderful polychrome paint that seems to be quite early and original. The American Indians first brought tobacco to the white settlers and much later these colorfully-dressed Indians would beckon patrons into their cigar stores. Cigar store Indians such as this have been one of the most sought after and valued Old West items with many being valued as high as $200,000-$300,000. This piece shows a solid wood carving with a large size and bright coloring. The piece shows slight restoration along the legs. The Indian statue is believed to have been outside an Illinois Cigar Store in the mid to late 19th century. Some cracking along the right arm and some paint loss. Legs appear to be a different wood, age, as the body. Please review pictures for description and condition. Measures: 80" H x 19" W x 18" D. Because of the general illiteracy of the populace, early store owners used descriptive emblems or figures to advertise their shops' wares; for example, barber poles advertise barber shops, show globes advertised apothecaries and the three gold balls represent pawn shops. American Indians and tobacco had always been associated because American Indians introduced tobacco to Europeans, and the depiction of native people on smoke-shop signs was almost inevitable. As early as the 17th century, European tobacconists used figures of American Indians to advertise their shops. Shows wear consistent with age. This was purchased directly from Jan Green. Jan Green was one of the principle Primitive and American Folk Art collectors in Illinois. Sold due to the death of Jan Green’s Husband.