Flower Dance, from National Dances (N225, Type 1) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

"Flower Dance" was produced by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company as one of a series of trade cards. During the late 19th century, such cards were commonly included in cigarette packs as a marketing tactic. This particular card, part of the "National Dances" set, reflects the era's fascination with exoticism and the representation of other cultures through a Western lens. The dancer, adorned with flowers and jewelry, is depicted in a way that emphasizes stereotypical notions of femininity and cultural otherness. The image invites us to consider how these representations were used to promote not only tobacco products but also a particular worldview, one that often exoticized and commodified cultures different from that of the Western world. While seemingly innocent, the card participates in a broader history of cultural appropriation and the marketing of identity. It encourages us to reflect on the emotional and personal dimensions of cultural representation, and how they shape our understanding of ourselves and others.