This “Wooden Indian” currently functions as an advertisement in front of an antique shop. It represents an early version of the genre, which originally was developed by European tobacconists in the 17th century, long before such advertisements became stereotypical portrayals of Native Americans. Because European carvers had never seen a Native American, these early “cigar store Indians” looked more like black slaves with feathered headdresses. They were known in the trade as “Virginians,” and used to advertise tobacco and cigars, first in Europe and later in the US, continuing well into the 20th century. I built this image around the brilliant primary colors of the feathers, which create striking tension when played against the sculpture’s upturned eyeballs and white necklace.