Esquimaux, from Types of Nationalities (N240) issued by Kinney Bros. 1890

This is a promotional card titled "Esquimaux" from the "Types of Nationalities" series, created by Kinney Bros. Tobacco Company. The card is structured with a central image of a man, presumably meant to represent an "Esquimaux," framed by text above and below. Visually, there is a stark contrast between the man’s dark complexion and the lighter backdrop, drawing immediate focus to the figure. He is depicted holding a fan and a pack of "Sweet Caporal" cigarettes, elements that seem incongruous with traditional representations of Inuit culture, creating a visual dissonance. The composition relies on these juxtapositions to create a narrative—one where cultural identity is mediated through the lens of commercial products. The text reinforces this narrative, suggesting that the man's happiness and comfort are derived from the "Sweet Caporal" brand. This conflation of cultural identity and consumerism highlights how advertising can manipulate and redefine cultural symbols for commercial gain. It is a striking example of how visual and textual elements combine to construct a message that may challenge our understanding of cultural representation.