“Virginian” Tobacconist Figure

“Virginian,” a Carved and Painted Tobacconist Figure. Because American Indians introduced tobacco to Europeans, European tobacconists wanted figures of American Indians to advertise their shops. Because European carvers had never seen a Native American, early figures looked more like African slaves with feathered headdresses and are referred to as “Virginians” or “Black Boy” carvings. This example is extremely well carved with beaded necklace, crown-like feathered headdress, left hand holding tobacco leaves, right arm extended and holding a pipe. Older paint and patina, minor cracking, wood pipe a replacement, overall height 67”, figure height 51”, plinth base 17”.