Cigar Store Indian Chief & "Mini Me" Set Hand Carved by Frank Gallagher 6 footer & 3 footer.

You've seen them at Trading Post, you've seen them at souvenir shops, now you have the opportunity to own your own "Cigar Store Wooden Indian". Carved by the same family that carved the very first one for a man that owned Gallaghers Furniture Store, back in the 1800's. A truly unique conversation piece, for home, office or store front. Own a piece of American heritage, a Frank Gallagher original sculpture. This set of two Wooden Indians is an exceptional example of Frank's work. This set features a large 6 foot Indian chief with a small, matching 3 foot "Mini Me" Chief. This pair is sure to delight and excite any one that walks by, they're a real attention getting duo and a great conversation starter. He carved these Indians out of large Aspen wood logs from Colorado and hand painted them with a dashing off white doe skin leather color. This set of two Cigar Store Indians is hand carved by Frank Gallagher and signed on the back.

The inspiration for Indian Wood Carvings came after Native Americans introduced English settlers to tobacco in Virginia during the 1600s. Later, merchants put the sculptures outside their stores to show customers that they sold tobacco products. The image of the Native American became a tradition for these carvings and memorializes the cooperation between some Natives and the colonists.

Frank Gallagher's ancestor, one of the first wooden Indian carvers, started carving his Indians in the 1840's. His great, great grandson Frank is known to be one of approximately 12 true full-blooded Man-Dan Indians still living. Unfortunately, the Man-Dan village was infected by small pox which practically wiped out the entire tribe. Frank's ancestor however, was away from the village at the time, working for a furniture maker. The furniture maker's name was Samuel Gallagher. Following the custom of Indian laborers of that era, Frank took his employer's last name as his own. One of the original Wooden Indians are on display in the Smithsonian Institute. The Gallaghers continue the art of carving as their ancestor would want it; the old way - the right way - by hand. A copy of Arizona Highways magazine with a two page story highlighting the Gallagher family will accompany each sculpture.

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Details:

6 feet tall with a 14-1/2" x 14-1/2" base and 3' tall with a 9" x 9" base.

Both are signed F. Gallagher on back of the headdress.

Shipping for this item is $200.00.

On this item please allow 2 weeks for processing and 7-10 days for delivery. Thank you.