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

This chromolithograph, "Big Chief, Ponca," is part of the "American Indian Chiefs" series created by Allen & Ginter in 1888. It depicts a Ponca chief with a stoic expression, adorned in traditional feathered headdress and beaded jewelry. The image is composed of various Native American artifacts and weapons, highlighting the chief’s tribal identity and culture. Originally distributed as a collectible trading card, the piece offered a glimpse into Native American life during a time of rapid change and westward expansion. These cards, like this one, have become valuable historical documents and continue to be sought after by collectors for their unique historical and cultural significance.