Big Chief, Ponca, from the American Indian Chiefs series (N36) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

"Big Chief, Ponca," created by Allen & Ginter, is one of the N36 series trading cards for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. This series was produced during a period marked by the expansion of the United States and increased conflicts with Native American tribes. The image captures a staged and romanticized depiction of a Ponca chief, whose regal appearance and traditional attire are likely mediated through the lens of Western expectations. The inclusion of the name "Big Chief, Ponca" directly below the portrait highlights a tension between honoring the individual and reducing him to a marketable stereotype. What does it mean to see someone’s identity commodified in this way? It invites us to think about cultural appropriation, and the representation of indigenous people. It challenges us to consider the power dynamics inherent in how cultures and identities are portrayed, consumed, and remembered.