Cayatanita, Navajos, from the American Indian Chiefs series (N2) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1888

This small, chromolithographic card from the late 19th century by Allen & Ginter, presents a portrait of Cayatanita of the Navajos. The composition is immediately striking, with its blend of direct, representational portraiture and commercial design. Observe how the figure is framed, focusing on the head and shoulders against a subtly mottled backdrop, and how the lines and colours create a sense of depth and texture, particularly in the rendering of the clothing and adornments. As a commercial product, this image is a sign within a structured system of cultural codes. The use of chromolithography allowed for mass production and dissemination, reflecting a late 19th-century fascination with exoticism and the commodification of indigenous cultures. The card's dual function as both a collectible and a promotional item highlights the complex interplay between art, commerce, and representation. The card's formal qualities – its size, color palette, and composition – served to package and sell an image, engaging viewers within a broader discourse of power, identity, and representation.