Young American Horse, North American Chief, from the Savage and Semi-Barbarous Chiefs and Rulers series (N189) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1888

This small chromolithograph of Young American Horse was printed by the Wm. S. Kimball & Co., a tobacco company, as part of a series of collectible cards. Produced in the late 19th century, the image participates in a broader cultural narrative, that of the "Savage and Semi-Barbarous Chiefs and Rulers." This was a time of intense conflict between the US government and Native American tribes, resulting in forced displacement and assimilation policies. The depiction of Young American Horse, adorned with traditional attire, is mediated by the popular imagination and political tensions of the time. The inclusion of a star on the subject's chest is a curious detail that may allude to the co-option of Native American identity into American iconography. To fully grasp the implications of this image, one must delve into the historical archives, exploring government documents, treaties, and the voices of Native American communities. By understanding the historical, social, and institutional contexts, we can interpret the multiple layers of meaning embedded within it.