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

This vibrant chromolithograph of Red Shirt, a Dakota Sioux leader, was part of a series of collectible cards produced by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. These cards, included in cigarette packs, reflect the late 19th-century fascination with and romanticization of Native American cultures, amidst the backdrop of westward expansion and the systematic displacement of Indigenous peoples. The image presents Red Shirt within a constructed framework: feathers, and a decorative border, attempt to frame and contain his identity. Red Shirt himself challenged dominant narratives. As a leader, he traveled to Washington D.C. to advocate for his people, skillfully navigating the complexities of intercultural relations while asserting his identity. This image, while packaged as a collectible, hints at the complex dynamics between representation, identity, and power. Red Shirt’s gaze carries a weight of history, a reminder of the human stories behind these artifacts. The image prompts us to reflect on how these representations have shaped, and continue to shape, our understanding of American history.