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Hunting Indians in a Taxi-Cab

Written by Kate Sanborn

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Indians of North AmericaCigar-store Indians

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About this book

"Hunting Indians in a Taxi-Cab" by Kate Sanborn is a whimsical narrative focusing on the author's adventures in collecting wooden Indian figures that were once popular tobacco store signage. Written in the early 20th century, this book captures the nostalgic charm of a time when such figures adorned the storefronts of cigar shops and are indicative of broader cultural themes regarding the representation of Native Americans. The book explores the journey of hunting these relics, reflecting on the disappearance of both the figures and the cultural symbols they represent. In this collection of essays, Sanborn recounts her personal quest to acquire and appreciate the artistry of these wooden Indians, which serve as a testament to the once-vibrant presence of Native American culture in American society. The narrative weaves together delightful anecdotes about the various figures she encounters, such as the impressive Tacomus and the footless squaw, while also delving into the historical context of these symbols. Through her humorous observations and heartfelt musings, Sanborn emphasizes the importance of preserving not only the physical figures but also the stories and memories associated with them, ultimately critiquing the cultural amnesia that has led to their decline.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Hunting Indians in a Taxi-Cab, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 6 hours
  • intermediate
  • whimsical
  • nostalgic
  • humorous

Kate Sanborn's "Hunting Indians in a Taxi-Cab" is a charming early 20th-century narrative chronicling the author's whimsical quest to collect antique wooden Indian figures, once ubiquitous as tobacco store signage. Through a series of delightful anecdotes and observations, Sanborn reflects on the fading presence of these iconic relics and the broader cultural symbols they represent. The book serves as a nostalgic exploration of American folk art, emphasizing the importance of preserving both the physical figures and the historical narratives embedded within them. It subtly critiques the cultural amnesia that led to the decline of these figures, advocating for the appreciation of their artistry and the stories they embody, highlighting a unique intersection of personal adventure and cultural commentary.

“The wooden Indian, once the proud sentinel of the tobacco shop, now makes his last stand in my humble collection.”

Key themes

Nostalgia and Loss
The book is deeply imbued with a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era when wooden Indian figures were common. Sanborn mourns the disappearance of these figures and the cultural landscape they represent, reflecting on the rapid changes brought by modernization. This theme explores the human tendency to romanticize the past and the pain of witnessing its erosion.
Preservation and Memory
Sanborn's quest is fundamentally an act of preservation—saving physical artifacts and the 'stories and memories' associated with them. This theme underscores the importance of actively safeguarding cultural heritage against 'cultural amnesia.' It argues that objects, even commercial ones, hold historical value and contribute to a collective memory that should not be forgotten.
Cultural Representation and Stereotypes
The book inherently deals with the representation of Native Americans through the lens of early 20th-century commercial art. While Sanborn appreciates the artistry, the figures themselves are products of a cultural context that often stereotyped Indigenous peoples. The theme explores how Native American imagery was utilized in popular culture and the complex legacy of such depictions, highlighting how a dominant culture interprets and sometimes appropriates the image of another.

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How does Sanborn's 'hunting' metaphor shape the reader's perception of her quest and the figures themselves?

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