Squaw Jessie Iron Bull, North American Indian, from the Savage and Semi-Barbarous Chiefs and Rulers series (N189) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1888

This small, now antiquated, card was created by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. as part of a series titled "Savage and Semi-Barbarous Chiefs and Rulers." This series encapsulates the cultural milieu of its time, deeply rooted in colonial attitudes and the dehumanization of indigenous populations. The woman depicted is identified as "Squaw Jessie Iron Bull," a blatant misnomer, as squaw is a derogatory term. It is crucial to acknowledge the violence inherent in such misrepresentations, which strip individuals of their identities and histories. The card reduces Jessie Iron Bull to a mere caricature, perpetuating harmful stereotypes that justified the displacement and oppression of Native peoples. It speaks volumes about the power dynamics at play, where one group's narrative dominates and erases the voices and experiences of another. Reflecting on this image, it serves as a stark reminder of the need for critical engagement with historical representations and a commitment to amplifying marginalized voices.