American Indian Sculpture Appraisal

Cigar Store Native American Indian Chief Wooden Statue

This is a hand-carved and painted wooden statue depicting a Native American chief, commonly referred to as a 'cigar store Indian.' The sculpture stands approximately 4 to 5 feet tall and is visibly heavy, suggesting it is crafted from a substantial piece of wood, likely a single log given its columnar form. The figure is shown standing upright, wearing what appears to be traditional attire including a prominent feathered headdress, a tunic-like top, and trousers. The headdress is intricately painted with green, black, and white feathers, accented by yellow zigzag patterns. The chieftain's face is rendered with distinct features, including pronounced cheekbones and a stoic expression, painted in various shades of brown for skin tone, with black hair and eyes. His top garment is largely green with yellow butterfly-like motifs and red and yellow detailing around the neck and cuffs. He holds a brown club-like object with a gold-colored tip in his right hand. The lower part of his attire includes light brown trousers with intricate decorative patterns around the waist and lower legs, and a loincloth-like element featuring a black bear paw print. The figure stands on a circular, dark brown base with visible wood grain, suggesting it is an integrated part of the sculpture's construction. The overall style suggests folk art, characterized by its hand-hewn quality and direct, less refined aesthetic. Visible condition issues include noticeable paint wear and chipping across various painted surfaces, indicating age and handling. A small crack is discernible on the lower back of the base, which may be a result of drying or impact. The craftsmanship, while appearing rustic, demonstrates skilled carving, particularly in the detailed feathers and facial features. The weight and substantial size indicate it was likely intended for display in a commercial setting, such as a tobacco shop, rather than a private residence.