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The Virginian
Cigar Store Indian
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Early 20th Century
The Virginian
Cigar Store Indian
$12,000
£9,063.21
€10,469.41
CA$16,906.29
A$18,106.64
CHF 9,734.01
MX$219,915.77
NOK 122,993.92
SEK 112,610.08
DKK 78,225.63
About the Item
An impressive early 20th-century carved and polychrome painted cigar store Indian standing approximately 6 feet tall to the tip of the feathers. The base features replacement boards—a common and necessary repair due to the frequent rot encountered in original bases of such outdoor figures.
Under blacklight inspection, the piece shows only older, well-integrated touch-ups, preserving its authentic patina and historic character.
Cigar store Indians hold a unique place in American folk art and commercial history. Originating in the 17th century, these figures emerged as vital advertising icons during an era when literacy rates were low, and pictorial signage was essential for communicating goods and services. Tobacco, sourced from Native American lands, was a coveted commodity, and these sculptures served as instantly recognizable symbols outside tobacconists’ shops.
Their importance extends beyond mere advertising: cigar store Indians represent a complex cultural intersection between commerce, indigenous imagery, and popular art. By the 19th century, the tradition evolved into an art form in its own right, with highly skilled woodcarvers—many former ship figurehead carvers—creating distinctive, detailed, and often personalized sculptures to captivate customers.
Early cigar store Indians are exceedingly rare today. Most were exposed to harsh outdoor conditions, leading to decay, replacement, or destruction over time. Those that survive—particularly large-scale, well-preserved examples like this—are prized for their historical value, craftsmanship, and cultural resonance. Each piece tells a story of early American enterprise, artistic skill, and shifting perceptions of indigenous identity.
The carving tradition was highly competitive, with carvers seeking to outdo one another in individuality, depth, and realism. Some artists even used Native American models, lending a degree of authenticity to certain pieces amid the broader, often romanticized imagery.
This figure stands as a remarkable survivor from a bygone era—a testament to craftsmanship, cultural history, and American folk art legacy.
- Similar to:Samuel Anderson Robb (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 72 in (182.88 cm)Width: 16 in (40.64 cm)Depth: 13.75 in (34.93 cm)
- Style:Folk Art (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1920s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Some age cracks and areas with missing paint and some separation. All age related, in good shape and structurally sound and sturdy.
- Seller Location:Kilmarnock, VA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU883044166302
About the Seller
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