Smoke Signals: Lakota Indian Chief Sitting Bull Paper Plate

In the swirling smoke of a bygone era, a weathered card tells a tale. On its surface, a stoic visage; Sitting Bull, the legendary Lakota chief, his gaze piercing through time. But this is no ordinary portrait. It's a cigarette card, a sliver of history tucked between puffs of tobacco. --- Cigarette cards were the pop culture of their day. Tucked into cigarette packs, they offered a glimpse of the world; famous explorers, exotic animals, even historical figures like Sitting Bull. These miniature marvels, often black and white or with limited colours, were a way for companies to entice smokers and spark conversations. --- But our story's card is different. It's a vibrant splash of colour, depicting Sitting Bull not just in a head-and-shoulders portrait, but in full stature, a testament to his strength and presence. Perhaps it's a rare variant, a test print, or something more; a mystery waiting to be unraveled. --- As we delve deeper, the card becomes a gateway to Sitting Bull's legacy. A fierce warrior who fought for his people's land and way of life, his image on the card ignites memories of the Battle of Little Bighorn, a pivotal moment in American history. But Sitting Bull was also a wise leader, a spiritual man who believed in harmony with nature. The card becomes a touchstone, a reminder of a complex figure and a time of great change. --- This story isn't just about a cigarette card. It's about the unexpected places history hides. It's about the power of a small object to spark curiosity, ignite the imagination, and transport us back to a world both familiar and strange. It's a reminder that even in the smoke and ash, a spark of truth and resilience can endure. --- Cigarette card of Sitting Bull by for W.S. Kimball & Co. tobacco manufacturer made about 1890.