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Judith Lowry: Indians and Irony

CAE2304

Summary Note

The archive Judith Lowry: Indians and Irony, contains ephemera collected by Judith Lowry during her lifetime that exploits inaccurate and culturally insensitive images of Native Americans.

Biographical Note

Lowry was born in 1948, earned her B.A. in fine art at Humboldt State University, and her M.A. in painting and drawing from Chico State University. She has exhibited at the Crocker Museum in Sacramento; the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian in Santa Fe, New Mexico; the C.N. Gorman Museum in Davis, California; the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona; and the George Gustav Heye Center in New York City. Her paintings are in the collections of major museums throughout the United States.

Scope and Content

The archive Judith Lowry: Indians and Irony, contains ephemera collected by Judith Lowry during her lifetime that exploits inaccurate and culturally insensitive images of Native Americans. From sports team mascots and household food products to classic Western films and children’s cartoons, Native American images and names remain popular—and controversial—reference points in American culture. During her lifetime, Judith Lowry has amassed a vast collection of merchandising labels and popular kitsch memorabilia dedicated to stereotyped representations of Indigenous people in American culture. These items reveal the many ways that Native American imagery has been embedded in unexpected ways in the history, pop culture, and identity of the United States.

Lowry’s collection includes hundreds of figurines, product labels, movie posters, costumes, liquor bottles, book covers, fruit crate labels, and costumes that exploit inaccurate and culturally insensitive images of Native Americans. While Lowry calls most of it kitsch, or knickknacks, taken together the collection represents an important snapshot into the cultural production of American artifacts from a time when it was permissible to exploit the cultures of oppressed people as a marketing strategy. In recent years, Lowry’s collection has been presented in gallery exhibitions with the title, Indians and Irony.

There is a growing community of scholars across the Americas who are researching and publishing on this genre of visual culture; a recent example being the exhibition titled, Americans, at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in Washington DC. While the content of Lowry’s archive collection is worthy of scholarly research and study, Lowry admits that it is also a lighthearted collection suitable for exhibition, and that humor can help to open complicated dialogues about the everyday visual culture that surrounds us. “It can hurt people,” Lowry said of the materials. “Especially at a time when Indian people didn’t have a voice. But Indian people have become more articulate, vocal and educated, and now they can fend for themselves. I’m an Indian person, and I’m educated, and [I have this collection] to give people a lighthearted look at a serious subject. I want them to have fun and I want it to be thought-provoking,” she has said.

Materials include printed ephemera, dolls, figurines, toys, posters, blankets & fabric, costumes, bottles, glasses, plates, trays, books, magazines, posters, dream catchers, food product labels, and many other items.

Arrangement

The archive "Judith Lowry: Indians and Irony" is arranged into 19 folders organized by subject and arranged alphabetically with the exception of the last folder as it contains exhibition ephemera related to the entire collection.

Inclusive Dates

1912-2022

Bulk Dates

1950-1997

Quantity / Extent

22 cubic feet

Language

English

Related Archive Collections

  • CAE1906: Great Basin Native Artists
  • CAE2101: Harry Fonseca: Stone Poems

Related Publications

Fonseca, Harry. Harry Fonseca: Earth, Wind, and Fire. Santa Fe, NM: Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, 1996.

LaPena, Frank R., When I Remember, I See Red: American Indian Art and Activism in California. Oakland, CA: University of California Press, 2019.

Lowry, Judith. Illuminations: Paintings. Santa Fe, NM: Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, 1999.

Museum of Contemporary Native Arts. Manifestations: New Native Art Criticism. Santa Fe, NM: Museum of Contemporary Native Arts, 2011.

Santiago, Chiori, Home to Medicine Mountain. San Francisco, CA: Children’s Book Press, 1998.

Wolfe, Ann M. Judith Lowry. Reno, NV: Nevada Museum of Art, 2025.

Container Listing:

  • ARCH-FILE 118-1

    • Folder 1 8 Toys and Games circa 1950-1999
    • Folder 2 Baby Products not dated
    • Folder 3 Beauty and Personal Products circa 1970-1997
    • Folder 4 Books 1923-2002
    • Folder 5 Costumes, Clothings, and Textiles circa 1950-2001
    • Folder 6 Figurines 1986
    • Folder 7 Food Labels and Advertisements circa 1920-circa 1960
    • Folder 8 Jewelry and Coins not dated
    • Folder 9 Magazines (1 of 3) 1953-1991

Additional Materials

    ARCH-OBJ 107 Objects

    • 1#21 Cherokee Indian Philosophy, Wall Plaque, not dated
    • 4#5 Let’s Play Indian by Madye Lee Chastain, Book, 1938
    • 4#10 Brazen Ecstasy by Janelle Taylor, Paperback book, 1983
    • 4#11 Savage Destiny #3 by F. Rosanne Bittner, Paperback book, 1984
    • 4#12 Savage Destiny #5 by F. Rosanne Bittner, Paperback book, 1985
    • 4#13 Savage Destiny #6 by F. Rosanne Bittner, Paperback book, 1986
    • 4#14 Pieces of Sky by Marianne Willman, Paperback book,1986
    • 4#15 Seminole by Donald Clayton Porter, Paperback book, 1986
    • 4#16 Savage Paradise by Cassie Edwards, Paperback book, 1987
    • 4#17 Savage Thunder by Johanna Lindsey, Paperback book, 1989
    • 4#18 Blossom by Constance Bennett, Paperback book, 1991
    • 4#19 Comanche Sunset by F Rosanne Bittner, Paperback book, 1991
    • 4#20 On Middle Ground by Sierra Rydell, Paperback book, 1992
    • 4#21 Savage Mists by Cassie Edwards, Paperback book, 1992
    • 4#22 Savage Surrender by Colleen Faulkner, Paperback book, 1992
    • 4#23 The Fires of Paradise by Brenda Joyce, Paperback book, 1992
    • 4#24 A Promise of Thunder by Connie Mason, Paperback book, 1993
    • 4#25 Savage Passion by Wanda Owen, Paperback book, 1993
    • 4#26 Spirit Warrior by Aimee Thurlo, Paperback book, 1993
    • 4#27 Apache Knight by Carol Finch, Paperback book, 1994
    • 4#28 Captive by Colleen Faulkner, Hardcover book, 1994
    • 4#29 Fires of Heaven by Chelley Kitzmiller, Paperback book, 1994
    • 4#30 My Savage Heart by Christine Dorsey, Paperback book, 1994
    • 4#31 Silver and Steel by Susan Amarillas, Paperback book, 1994
    • 4#32 Warrior's Touch by Deborah James, Paperback book, 1994
    • 4#33 Simply Heaven by Patricia Hagan, Paperback book, 1995
    • 4#34 Lacey's Way by Madeline Baker, Paperback book, 1996
    • 4#35 Loving Samantha by Robin Gideon, Paperback book, 1996
    • 4#36 Precious Amber by Kathleen Drymon, Paperback book, 1996
    • 4#37 Tall Chief by Dinah McCall, Paperback book, 1997
    • 4#38 Legend of Desire by Kathleen Drymon, Paperback book, 1998
    • 4#39 Eternal Outlaw by Georgina Gentry, Paperback book, 1999
    • 4#40 Wolf Shadow's Promise by Karen Kay, Paperback book, 2000
    • 4#41 Savage Moon by Cassie Edwards, Paperback book, 2002
    • 7#31 Mischief Apples, Crate Label, circa 1940
    • 13#5 Disney’s Pocahontas, Children’s Book, 1995

    ARCH-OBJ 108 Objects

    • 1#8 Yellowstone Kelly (1), Print, not dated
    • 1#9 Yellowstone Kelly (2), Print, not dated
    • 1#10 Unconquered (1), Print, not dated
    • 1#11 Unconquered (2), Print, not dated
    • 1#12 Broken Arrow (1), Print, not dated
    • 1#13 Broken Arrow (2), Print, not dated
    • 1#14 Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull’s History Lesson, Print, not dated
    • 1#20a Oodees (1), Wooden Plaque, not dated
    • 1#20b Oodees (2), Wooden Plaque, not dated
    • 1#20c Oodees (3), Wooden Plaque, not dated
    • 1#20d Oodees (4), Wooden Plaque, not dated
    • 1#20e Oodees (5), Wooden Plaque, not dated
    • 1#20f Oodees (6), Wooden Plaque, not dated
    • 1#20g Oodees (7), Wooden Plaque, not dated
    • 1#20h Oodees (8), Wooden Plaque, not dated
    • 1#20i Oodees (9), Wooden Plaque, not dated
    • 1#20j Oodees (10), Wooden Plaque, not dated
    • 1#20k Oodees (11), Wooden Plaque, not dated
    • 1#20l Oodees (12), Wooden Plaque, not dated
    • 4#1 The Oxford Annual for Scouts, Book, 1923
    • 4#3 Snapshots: Souvenir of Baltimore, Md.
    • 4#4 Autographs, Leather-bound book, circa 1940
    • 4#6 Early California by Irmagarde Richards, Book, 1950
    • 4#7 Our California by Irmagarde Richards, Book, 1952
    • 4#8 Stories from Everywhere by Guy L. Bond, Book, 1954
    • 4#9 Big and Little, Same and Different, Children’s Book, 1983
    • 7#1 Maryland Chief Beets, Can Label, circa 1920
    • 7#4 Western Star Apples, Crate Label, circa 1920
    • 7#5 Big Chief Tomatoes, Crate Label, circa 1920
    • 7#6 Chief Seattle Apples, Crate Label, circa 1920
    • 7#7 Squaw Green Beans, Can Label, circa 1920
    • 7#10 Buffalo Apples, Crate Label, circa 1930
    • 7#14 Powhatan Apple Sauce, Can Label, 1938
    • 7#16 Skookum Apples, Crate Label, circa 1940
    • 7#25 Hi Yu Apples, Crate Label, circa 1940
    • 7#26 Covered Wagon Mountain Fruits, Can Label, circa 1940
    • 7#27 Justice Indian River Cirtus, Crate Label, circa 1940
    • 7#28 Mt. Lassen California Fruits, Crate Label, circa 1940
    • 7#30 Nuchief Apples, Crate Label, circa 1940
    • 7#35 Santa Fe Applesauce, Can Label, circa 1960
    • 7#36 Santa Fe Sliced Apples, Can Label, circa 1960
    • 7#37 Santa Fe Brand, Crate Label, circa 1960
    • 7#44 Home of Ramona Citrus, Reproduction, not dated
    • 7#45 Redskin Oranges, Reproduction, not dated
    • 13#6 Pocahontas Illustrated Classic edition, Children’s Book, 1995
    • 13#7 Disney’s Pocahontas, Children’s Book, 1995

    ARCH-OBJ 109 Objects

    • 3#5 White Buffalo, Rolling Papers, 1976
    • 3#7 Blackfoot Lighter, Lighter, not dated
    • 4#1 Neighbors and Helpers by Grace E. Storm, Book, 1938
    • 13#14 Pocahontas Keychain, Keychain, 1995
    • 13#21 3D Character Mug, Cup, 1995
    • 13#23 Night Light, Light Plug-in, 1995
    • 13#28 Pocahontas Bubble Bath, Bottle, 1995
    • 13#29 Pocahontas Figurine Bottle, Bottle, 1995
    • 13#34 Once Upon a Time Locket, toy, 1995
    • 13#35 Chief Powhatan ( x2), Toy, 1995
    • 13#36 Pocahontas ( x2), Toy, 1995
    • 16#5 Canoe Salt and Pepper Shakers, circa 1945
    • 16#9 New Mexico Jug, 1972
    • 16#13 Oklahoma Tea Set, not dated
    • 16#14 Shot Glass (1), Cup, not dated
    • 16#15 Shot Glass (2), Cup, not dated
    • 16#16 Shot Glass (3), Cup, not dated
    • 16#17 Shot Glass (4), Cup, not dated
    • 16#18 Shot Glass (5), Cup, not dated
    • 16#19 Shot Glass (6), Cup, not dated
    • 16#20 Milk Glass Mug, Cup, not dated
    • 16#21 AIANTA USB, Flash drive, not dated
    • 16#33 Salt and Pepper Shakers (2), not dated
    • 17#7 Washington Redskins, Keychain, not dated
    • 18#33 Navajo Code Talker G.I. Joe, Action Figure, 1999

    ARCH-OBJ 110 Objects

    • 1#15 Redskins Waylay the Deadwood Stage, Wall Plaque, not dated
    • 3#3 Bubble Bath Doll, Bottle, 1997
    • 6#2 Nutcracker, Decoration, not dated
    • 7#3 Old Mission Sunkist Grapes, Crate Label, circa 1920
    • 13#8 Where’s Percy, Children’s Book, 1995
    • 13#15 Colors of the Wind Cup (1), Cup, 1995
    • 13#16 Colors of the Wind Cup (2), Cup, 1995
    • 13#17 Colors of the Wind Cup (3), Cup, 1995
    • 13#18 Colors of the Wind Cup (4), Cup, 1995
    • 13#19 Colors of the Wind Cup (5), Cup, 1995
    • 13#20 Colors of the Wind Cup (6), Cup, 1995
    • 16#23 American Spirit Tin (2), not dated
    • 18#2 Doll (1), circa 1950
    • 18#6 Doll (2), circa 1960
    • 18#7 Doll (3), circa 1960
    • 18#8 Doll (4), circa 1960
    • 18#9 Doll (5), circa 1960
    • 18#10 Doll (6), circa 1960
    • 18#11 Doll (7), circa 1960
    • 18#14 Tonto, Action Figure, circa 1970

    ARCH-OBJ 111 Objects

    • 6#3 Maiden, Figurine, not dated
    • 6#4 Maiden with Cradleboard, Figurine, not dated
    • 13#24 Lightswitch Cover, Switchplate, 1995
    • 13#25 Toothbrush Holder, 1995
    • 13#26 Pocahontas Piggy Bank, Coin Bank, 1995
    • 13#27 Pocahontas Hairbrush, Hairbrush, 1995
    • 13#37 Pocahontas Barbie, Doll, 1995
    • 13#39 Pocahontas Applause Figurine, Figurine, 1995
    • 18#12 Bobblehead Chief, Toy, circa 1960
    • 18#13 Fighting Eagle, Action Figure, circa 1960
    • 18#15 Bendy Toy Figures, Toy, circa 1970
    • 18#16 Tambourine, Toy, circa 1970
    • 18#24 Eagle Eye, Action Figure, 1987
    • 18#30 Canadian Hawk, Action Figure, 1993
    • 18#36 Canoes, Toy, not dated
    • 18#37 Plastic Figure (1), Toy, not dated
    • 18#38 Plastic Figure (2), Toy, not dated
    • 18#39 Plastic Figure (3), Toy, not dated

    ARCH-OBJ 112 Objects

    • 3#4 Totem Pole, Bottle, 1975
    • 6#10 Canoe, Figurine, not dated
    • 13#45 Pocahontas and Friends Playset, Toy, not dated
    • 13#46 Pocahontas Indian Princess Playset, Toy, not dated
    • 16#24 Coaster Set, not dated
    • 18#17 Toy Drum (1), Toy, circa 1970
    • 18#18 Toy Drum (2), Toy, circa 1970
    • 18#40 Pencils, Pencil Box, not dated

    ARCH-OBJ 113 Objects

    • 1#7 Buffalo Nickel, Ornament, not dated
    • 6#1 Totem Pole, Figurine, 1986
    • 6#5 Ostheimer, Figurine, not dated
    • 6#6 Ceramic Figurine, Figurine, not dated
    • 6#7 Chief Tawonka, Figurine, not dated
    • 13#22 Pocahontas Water Bottle, Cup, 1995.
    • 13#30 Pocahontas Shampoo, Bottle, 1995
    • 13#31 Pocahotnas Conditioner. Bottle, 1995
    • 16#25 Indian Tabac Cigbar Co., Cigar box, not dated
    • 18#26 Tipi (2), Toy, 1989

    ARCH-OBJ 114 Objects

    • 3#1 Indian Chief Head (1), Bottle, circa 1970
    • 3#2 Indian Chief Head (2), Bottle, circa 1970
    • 3#3 Indian Head Penny, Bottle, circa 1970
    • 16#4 Gitum Dust Cloth, Tin, 1930
    • 16#22 American Spirit Tin (1), not dated
    • 16#26 Hanker Chiefs, handkerchiefs, not dated
    • 16#27 Old Indian Firewater, Flask, not dated
    • 16#28 TEEPEE Cigar Box, not dated
    • 16#29 Pin-up Glass, Cup, not dated
    • 16#30 New Mexico, Cup, not dated
    • 16#31 Legend City, Cup, not dated
    • 18#25 Tipi (1), Toy, 1989

    ARCH-OBJ 115 Objects

    • 1#20m Oodees (13), Wooden Plaque, not dated
    • 1#20n Oodees (14), Wooden Plaque, not dated
    • 1#22 Indian Prayer, Plastic Plaque, not dated
    • 1#23 Ornament, Christmas Ornament, not dated
    • 1#26a Plastic Wall Hanging (1), Wall Plaque, not dated
    • 1#34 Injun Pow-Wow, Candle Set, not dated
    • 1#46 Slot Machine Glass, Glass Display, not dated
    • 6#8 End of the Trail Replica, Figurine, not dated
    • 6#9 Tipi, Figurine, not dated
    • 7#48 Buffalo Nickel Chocolate Coin, Candy, not dated
    • 8#1 Beaded Earrings, Jewelry, not dated
    • 8#2 End of the Trail Earrings, Jewelry, not dated
    • 8#3 Kachina Bolo Tie, Neckwear, not dated
    • 8#4a Buffalo Nickel (1), Replica Coin, not dated
    • 8#4b Buffalo Nickel (2), Replica Coin, not dated
    • 8#5 Indian Head Penny, Replica Coin, not dated
    • 8#6 End of the Trail Bolo Tie, Neckwear, not dated
    • 8#7 Wooden Nickel, Coin, not dated
    • 8#8 Chief Head Ring, Jewelry, not dated
    • 13#33 Pocahontas Nail Gloss, Nail Polish, 1995
    • 13#40 Pocahontas Eraser, Eraser, 1995
    • 13#41 Pocahontas Puzzle, Game, 1995
    • 16#32 Salt and Pepper Shakers (1), not dated
    • 16#34 Salt and Pepper Shakers (3), not dated
    • 16#35 Salt and Pepper Shakers (4), not dated
    • 16#36 Salt and Pepper Shakers (5), not dated
    • 18#41 Wind-Up Toy, Toy, not dated
    • 18#42 Playmobil Figure, Toy, not dated

    ARCH-OBJ 116 Objects

    • 1#1 Wedding Journey of Minnehaha and Hiowatha, Wall Plaque, 1926
    • 1#16 End of the Trail, Wooden Plaque, not dated
    • 1#17 A Forest Maiden, Print, not dated
    • 13#42 Pocahontas Wristwatch, Wristwatch, 1995
    • 16#11 Crazy Horse Malt Liquor, Bottle, 2000
    • 18#43 Covered Wagon, Toy, not dated
    • 18#44 Doll (8), not dated
    • 18#45 Bubble Blower, Toy, not dated

    ARCH-OBJ 118 Objects

    • 5#8 Costume Headdress (Small), Headwear, not dated
    • 5#13 Scarf, Wool Scarf, not dated
    • 5#14 Bandanna, Bandanna, not dated
    • 5#17 St. Labre Indian School, Blanket, not dated
    • 17#3 Cleveland Indians Chief Wahoo, Beanie, not dated

    ARCH-OBJ 119 Objects

    • 5#11 Moccasins (1), Soft Suede, not dated
    • 5#12 Moccasins (2), Hard Leather, not dated
    • 16#38 Trails End Caramel Corn, Tin, not dated
    • 18#19 Toy Drum (3), Toy, circa 1970
    • 18#29 Native American Barbie, Doll, 1992
    • 18#46 Dog Toy, not dated

    ARCH-OBJ 135 Objects

    • 1#2 Sun Seeker, Decorative Plate, 1992
    • 1#24 Chalkware Plaque, Wall Plaque, not dated
    • 1#27 Porcelain Moccasin, Ceramic, not dated
    • 1#35 Bookends, Metal Bookends, not dated
    • 13#43 Clamshell Necklace, Toy, 1995
    • 16#1 Big Chief (1), Bottle, 1926
    • 16#2 Big Chief (2), Bottle, 1928
    • 16#3 Big Chief (3), Bottle, 1956
    • 16#6 Indian Ridge Mineral Spring Water, Bottle, circa 1950
    • 16#7 Big Chief (4), Bottle, 1956
    • 16#10 Arrowhead Hotel, Ashtray, pre 1973
    • 16#11 Looney Tunes, Cup, 1979
    • 16#37 Napkin Holder, not dated
    • 16#39 Sculpted Mug, not dated
    • 16#40 California Redwoods, Ashtray, not dated
    • 16#41 Land O’ Lakes, Tray, not dated
    • 16#42 Cocktail Shaker, Cup, not dated
    • 18#21 Soma Toy, Doll, not dated
    • 18#28 Swamp Thing Tomahawk, Action Figure, 1990
    • 18#32 Indian Chiefs of the Old West, Card Game, 1996

    ARCH-OBJ 138 Objects

    • 1#26b Plastic Wall Hanging (2), Wall Plaque, not dated
    • 1#28 Wallpaper, Wallpaper, not dated
    • 1#29 Copper Relief, Wall Plaque, not dated
    • 1#30 Ceramic Tile, Tile, not dated
    • 1#32a Dreamcatcher (1), Wall Hanging, not dated
    • 1#32b Dreamcatcher (2), Wall Hanging, not dated
    • 1#32c Dreamcatcher (3), Wall Hanging, not dated
    • 1#32d Dreamcatcher (4), Wall Hanging, not dated
    • 1#33 Candle, Candle, not dated
    • 3#8 Bath Salts, not dated
    • 13#32 Pocahontas Bath Soap, Soap, 1995
    • 13#44 John Smith Pencil, Pencil, 1995
    • 16#8 Standford, Ashtray, pre 1972
    • 16#43 End of the Trail, Ashtray, not dated
    • 16#44 Athabasca Hotel, Spoons, not dated
    • 16#45 Ceramic Coaster, not dated
    • 18#23 Whirligig, Toy, 1980
    • 18#48 Painting by Numbers, Kit, not dated

    ARCH-OBJ 141 Objects

    • 1#25 Wooden Plaque, Wall Plaque, not dated
    • 1#31 Australia Dreamcatcher, Wall Hanging, not dated

    ARCH-OBJ 142 Objects

    • 5#6 Mask, Canvas Mask, not dated
    • 5#16 New Mexico Apron, Apron, not dated
    • 17#6 Washington Redskins, Fanny Pack, not dated
    • 18#20 Timpo Toy, Figures, circa 1970
    • 18#52 Cowboys and Indians (Red), Toy, not dated
    • 18#53 Cowboys and Indians (Blue), Toy, not dated
    • 18#54 Cowboys and Indians (Green), Toy, not dated
    • 18#55 Cowboys and Indians (Yellow), Toy, not dated
    • 18#56 Cowboys and Indians (Brown), Toy, not dated
    • 18#57 Cowboys and Indians (Purple), Toy, not dated
    • 18#58 Cowboys and Indians (White), Toy, not dated

    Archive F33

    • 13#1 Captain John Smith and Pocahontas, Poster, 1953
    • 19#6 Indians, Irony, and Identity Exhibition Ephemera (1), Text Panel, 2014
    • 19#7 Indians, Irony, and Identity Exhibition Ephemera (2), Wall Hanging, 2014

    Archive F42

    • 1#4 Pin-up Painting, Painting, 1996
    • 14#12 The Battle at Apache Pass, Movie Poster, 1952
    • 15#10 Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, Print, not dated
    • 15#13 Indian Sign, Advertisement, not dated
    • 17#5 Washington Redskins Pennant, Flag, not dated
    • 17#9 Kansas City Chiefs Pennant, Flag, not dated