American Indians at Chicago's Columbian Exposition

Of these racializing discourses, it was the mythical “heroic warrior” that became most pervasive in American culture.

This postcard of a man called “Arrow-maker” taps into the idea of Native Americans as “savages.” Though he is labeled as belonging to the Ojibwe nation (a Woodland group), he is clearly wearing Plains Indian clothing. Why do you think that is?

And what is suggested by his posture in this postcard?

Cigar-Store Indians became a very visible part of American culture as well. Nearly always clad in expansive feathered headdresses and Plains Indian regalia, they still appear occasionally today—though, as seen in this photograph, they are not solely restricted to cigar stores.

Also (for those of you in Champaign) the tobacco-shop on Green Street—just a few blocks off-campus—has a smaller version on display in its front window. Why do you think this is so? What is the appeal of such displays?

And why does the University of Illinois Athletic Department have a decidedly inauthentic representation of an Illinois Indian as its mascot?

An eyewitness drawing of an Illinois "Captaine"

A more recent incarnation...in Lakota dress

Taken altogether, it is clear that many of these portrayals are shaped less by “real” Native people than by what non-Indians expect American Indians to be.

Continue to Page 8

Back to Page 6

	Department of Anthropology
	copyright © 2002 University of Illinois, All rights reserved.

Questions and Comments to Brenda Farnell