Cigar Store Indian c. 1938

Here's a "Cigar Store Indian" made by Henry Murphy, but we don't know exactly when. This artwork is a watercolor on paper, portraying a wood sculpture traditionally placed outside tobacco shops in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The original sculptures were often carved from a single tree trunk, using chisels, gouges, and axes. The figures were then painted, sometimes quite elaborately, to attract customers. Although Murphy has used watercolor to depict the sculpture, the image captures the texture and weight of the original carved wood. These figures were typically made by skilled woodcarvers, who often drew on traditions of ship carving or furniture making. The Cigar Store Indian is a complicated figure, embodying both respect and appropriation. It's a form of commercial art deeply entwined with the history of tobacco, trade, and the representation of Native Americans. Considering the object's history and cultural impact, the term "Cigar Store Indian" has become controversial due to its association with colonialism and stereotypes. By understanding the materials, making, and context of this artwork, we can appreciate its artistic qualities while also acknowledging the complex cultural issues it raises.