Black Eye, Blackfeet Sioux, from the American Indian Chiefs series (N36) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This chromolithograph card, part of the “American Indian Chiefs” series, was printed in 1888 by Allen & Ginter to be included in packs of cigarettes. The card features a portrait of Black Eye, a Blackfeet Sioux, with a depiction of Blackfeet Sioux men dancing in the background. The card, measuring 2 7/8 x 3 1/4 inches, is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection in New York City. The card is a striking example of 19th-century chromolithography and its use in advertising. The “American Indian Chiefs” series is a popular collectible today, and its cards are a fascinating glimpse into the popular perception of Native Americans in the late 19th century.