Harpoon, from the Arms of All Nations series (N3) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1887

This chromolithograph, made by Allen & Ginter, was part of a series of collectible cards packaged with cigarettes. It depicts an Inuit man poised to strike with a harpoon from his kayak. This image, produced in the United States during the late 19th century, serves not only as advertising but also as a form of cultural representation. The “Arms of All Nations” series reflects America's growing interest in global cultures, viewed through the lens of colonial expansion and trade. The image exoticizes the Inuit culture by focusing on a single aspect of it, and frames it through a Western perspective, ultimately constructing an image that is less about genuine understanding and more about projecting American power and influence onto a global stage. This approach speaks to the social and economic conditions of the time, where advertising and popular culture played a significant role in shaping public perceptions of foreign cultures. To fully understand this artwork, examining archives, trade records, and ethnographic studies from the period are essential. The role of cultural historians is to unpack these layers, revealing the complex interplay between commerce, representation, and cultural exchange.