Cigar Store Indian by Frank Gallagher 5 Footer.

"Wood Carvings" were first created 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.

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.

Frank Gallaghers 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.

Aspen wood from Colorado is the preferred raw material for the creations of the Gallaghers. A copy of the two page story highlighting the Gallagher family from the June 1998 Issue of Arizona Highways will be sent with each Gallagher Indian.

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Details:

Five Feet Tall.

Signed F. Gallagher on back of headdress.

Shipping for this item is $125.00.

The five foot Gallagher Wooden Indian can come to your with a whole new paint job. We can have this one painted for you to appear as if he's wearing doeskin garments (light beige) or elk skin (yellow). In the comment box as you check out let us know which you prefer.

Note: Natural wood does get a crack here and there on occasion. It's natural and not a defect.

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