Chief Joseph, Nez Perces, from the American Indian Chiefs series (N36) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This small chromolithograph, made by Allen & Ginter for their cigarette packs, offers us a glimpse into the complex relationship between commerce, representation, and cultural appropriation in the late 19th century. Chromolithography, a color printing technique, allowed for the mass production of images like this one, depicting Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce tribe. The image is striking for its portrayal of Chief Joseph alongside a scene of Indigenous people hunting buffalo. However, the commercial context is crucial. These cards were designed to be collected, traded, and consumed along with cigarettes, embedding images of Native Americans within a system of commodity exchange. The smooth, flat surface of the print belies the layers of labor involved in its production, from the artists who created the original image to the factory workers who printed and packaged it. The card is a reminder of the role that mass production played in shaping perceptions and perpetuating stereotypes about Native Americans, reducing them to collectible images divorced from their complex histories and cultures.