British, Ioway, from the American Indian Chiefs series (N2) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1888

This small card depicting 'British, Ioway' was made by Allen & Ginter for cigarette brands, printed with chromolithography, a technique involving multiple stones to apply different colors. The material itself speaks volumes about the era of its production, reflecting both advanced printing technology and a burgeoning culture of mass consumption. This was a time when industrialization was rapidly changing the landscape of labor and leisure, and items like these cards became commonplace. What’s striking is the contrast between the highly mechanized process of printing and the image it presents: a carefully detailed portrait of a Native American chief. This juxtaposition highlights the complex relationship between industrial capitalism and representations of indigenous peoples, serving as a token included with a tobacco product marketed widely to consumers. Ultimately, this card, produced and circulated within an economic system built on expansion and displacement, prompts us to think about labor, cultural appropriation, and the commodification of identity.