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

This small chromolithograph of Big Razor, a Blackfeet Sioux chief, comes from a series made for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. Such collectible cards, popular in the late 19th century, offer a glimpse into the social attitudes of the time. Produced in the United States, they reveal a culture grappling with its westward expansion and the displacement of Native American tribes. The romanticized depiction of Big Razor, alongside symbols of his culture like a shield and feathered headdress, stands in stark contrast to the realities of government policies aimed at assimilation and land seizure. The card's existence as a promotional item underscores the commodification of culture. The study of advertising ephemera, census records, and Native American oral histories can shed light on the complex historical context surrounding this image. By examining these sources, we can better understand how art reflects and shapes the social narratives of its time.