America (Indian), from the Natives in Costume series (N16) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1886

This small chromolithograph was produced in the late 19th century by the cigarette company Allen & Ginter, as part of a series called "Natives in Costume." It features a man identified as an "American Indian," standing in a landscape. The image creates meaning through its visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. The man’s clothing and spear signify a particular, romanticized vision of Native American life, one that had been circulating in popular culture since the early 1800s. Consider how the commercial context of the cigarette card—a marketing tool—shapes the image's purpose. It reflects the prevailing attitudes of the time, perpetuating stereotypes and contributing to the erasure of diverse Native American identities in favor of a simplified, marketable image. Understanding this artwork requires historical research into the social and cultural context of the late 19th century, including the history of Native American representation, the rise of consumer culture, and the role of advertising. By examining these factors, we can better understand the complex and often contradictory meanings embedded in this seemingly simple image.