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

This lithograph of Black Hawk, a Dakota Sioux chief, was created by Allen & Ginter as part of a series for cigarette cards. Dominating the scene is a vibrant shield, adorned with concentric circles of color and intricate patterns. Such shields were not merely defensive tools, but potent symbols of protection and spiritual power. This echoes the ancient Greek aegis, often associated with Zeus and Athena, a shield bearing the head of Medusa to ward off enemies. Here, the American Indian shield's geometric designs and feathered adornments speak to a deep connection with nature and the cosmos. The feather, a symbol of flight and spiritual ascent, reappears in Black Hawk’s hair, a motif connecting earthly leadership with divine guidance. Observe the persistent recurrence and transformation of symbols. They are not static but cyclical, resurfacing in new forms across cultures and epochs.