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Cigarette Silk Pillow Sham or Quilt Block
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| Accession #: | SOMERS.1979.4 |
|---|---|
| Title: | Cigarette Silk Pillow Sham or Quilt Block |
| Object Type: | Block, Quilt; Sham, Pillow |
| Participants: | |
| Physical Description: | An array of cigarette silks featuring American Indian individuals and chiefs are sewn with a decorative embroidery stitch with multiple colors of embroidery thread to a blue/gray backing. They are arranged in a checkerboard pattern. The edges of the block or backing are unfinished. It is apparent that piece has faded as edges are darker blue than other areas of block. Silks are shattered, but at time of cataloging, names of most individuals are somewhat legible. (See Further Info. and Basic Data tabs) |
| Description: | Between the breakup of the trust in 1911 and World War One, a dazzling new insert premium took the public's fancy. More expensive blends of cigarettes began offering satin inserts or premiums depicting flags, dancing girls and a dazzling array of other patterns. These premiums were intended to attract women, inspiring handmade quilts and shams. One coupon came with each 5¢ tobacco item purchased at a United Cigar Store or other retailer carrying American Tobacco brands. |
| Category: | Textiles |
| Subjects/Topics/Concepts: |
Smoking (Personal Artifact->Personal Gear); Decorative Arts (Decorative Arts); Household Accessory (Furnishing); Women (Women); American Indian (Diversity)
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| Dimensions: |
height 18"
width 18 1/2"
Object H x W 2 3/4 x 1 3/4"
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| Materials/Techniques: |
satin (Material)
silk (textile) (Material)
embroidery (Technique)
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| Marks/Inscription: |
Row 1: John Grass, Bull Head, Big Chief, (Black? Big?) Wolf, Wetcunie Row 2: British, Big Bear, Yellow Flower, Striker, (illegible) Row 3: Sitting Bull, White (something w/ an "N"), Iron Bull, (illegible), (?ean ?ol?) - Lean Wolf? Bean Pole? Row 4: Red (Bird?), Red Shirt, Hairy Bear, Big Snake, Chief Joseph Row 5: Great War Chief, Iron Bull, (?), Big Chief, Bull Head Row 6: Big Snake, Many Horns, Red Shirt, King of the Crows, Big Snake
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| Credit Line: | Transfer from Museum of Native American Cultures, Spokane, 1992 |
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https://www.northwestmuseum.org/collections