Tobacconist's sign, England, 1750-1900

Carved wooden figure of a Virginian Indian, English Carved wooden figure of a Virginian Indian, English

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Carved wooden figure of a Virginian Indian, English
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Carved wooden figure of a Virginian Indian, English
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Carved wooden figure of a Virginian Indian, English, uses as a tobacconist's sign, probably C19

Made in the shape of a Native American from Virginia, United States, this was used as tobacconist’s sign to attract customers into the shop. Virginia was the site of the first European settlement in the United States (in 1607) and settlers began growing tobacco on increasingly large plantations there and exporting their product. Reflecting the origins of the product, Native Americans were commonly depicted on tobacconists’ shop signs.

‘Virginia’ tobacco is still available today but is now grown all over the world.

Details

Category:
Pharmacy-ware
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A631066
Materials:
whole, wood, carved
Measurements:
overall: 853 mm x 250 mm x 345 mm, 7.14 kg
type:
shop sign