Native Son Cigar Advertising Old Indian With Banner 1910 Real Photo Postcard
This postcard features an Indigenous man, likely an elder, serving as a walking advertisement for "Native Son Cigar." He combines elements of traditional regalia, such as a feathered headdress and fan, with Western attire, including a suit jacket and trousers. The prominent "NATIVE SON CIGAR" banner draped across his chest, along with the partially visible "JUSTLY POPULAR" and "10¢ CIGAR" text, clearly positions him in a commercial role, a common advertising practice in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The depiction reflects a historical period when Indigenous imagery was frequently co-opted for commercial purposes, notably for tobacco brands, echoing the ubiquitous "cigar store Indian" figures. This practice often capitalized on romanticized or stereotypical notions of Indigenous identity. The image serves as a significant cultural artifact, highlighting the complex intersection of Indigenous cultures, early American advertising, and the economic realities faced by Native peoples during this era.
The depiction reflects a historical period when Indigenous imagery was frequently co-opted for commercial purposes, notably for tobacco brands, echoing the ubiquitous "cigar store Indian" figures. This practice often capitalized on romanticized or stereotypical notions of Indigenous identity. The image serves as a significant cultural artifact, highlighting the complex intersection of Indigenous cultures, early American advertising, and the economic realities faced by Native peoples during this era.
