Vintage Ralph Gallagher 5 Foot Cigar Store Indian with Tomahawk by Ralph Gallagher.

This vintage Cigar Store Indian was hand carved by the late Ralph Gallagher. Ralph was the father of Frank Gallagher, who has become a world famous carver. Ralph 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 Gallagher's 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.

The inspiration for Indian Wood Carvings came after Native Americans introduced Virginia settlers to tobacco during the 1600s. In England, the Indians remained associated with tobacco and their likeness was carved into wooden figurines and used to market the new product from the land of the Indians. The carved Indian became a tradition with tobacco companies and later American merchants were furnished with larger sculptures, kept outside their stores, to show customers that they sold tobacco products. In some ways the image of the Native American was exploited, but the tradition does memorialize the cooperation between certain Natives and the colonists, an important part of American history.

Details:

This carving is 5' tall and about 12" wide.

Shipping for this item is $85.00.

Note: Natural wood does get a crack here and there on occasion. It's natural and not a defect. This one has had a small crack at the base filled and repaired at the Gallagher shop - see last picture.

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