Polish Mazurka, from National Dances (N225, Type 1) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

This small lithograph, made by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company in the late nineteenth century, presents a colorfully-dressed figure performing a Polish Mazurka. As part of a series called National Dances, it's likely distributed as a promotional item with tobacco products. What's striking is the figure's theatrical costume that seems to borrow from Polish military and aristocratic traditions. The Mazurka itself, a lively folk dance, became a symbol of Polish national identity, particularly during periods of political upheaval and foreign occupation. The Kinney Brothers capitalized on the era's fascination with national identity and exoticism. They also reveal the intersection of commerce, culture, and patriotism in late 19th century America. To fully understand this image, one might delve into archives of advertising ephemera, histories of tobacco companies, and studies of Polish cultural identity. Doing so helps us see this small card as a window into a complex web of social meanings.