Cigar Store Indians first appeared in the 1800's. They were used as advertising signs for tobacconists outside their stores. These non-written signs were used for the illiterate as well as non-English speaking immigrants, who may not have been able to know what goods or services the store sold. Barber shops are just one other example of users of non-written signs with the famous barber poles that are now only occasionally used, mostly to instill a sense of nostalgia. These hand carved wooden Cigar Store Indian figures are a unique piece of Americana and the history of the old west. We work directly with the people who hand carve these fine cigar store figures and reproductions of wooden Indians, making sure the colors and details, even down to the expressions on the faces, retain the distinct sense of what the original statues may have looked like.
We offer several different sizes of these American Indian statues, some are tall cigar store figures for larger spaces and we also offer smaller pieces about 3ft tall. The headdresses are beautifully detailed using rich vivid colors. The clothing is ornamental and colorful in combinations that are both authentic and tasteful and will blend beautifully into most decor.
