Via Native Appropriations, I found a set of vintage Valentines drawing on stereotypes of American Indians at the Vintage Valentine Museum.
“I’d never squaw’k if you’d be my Valentine” (1950s or ’60s):
“I want to be the CHIEF” (1940s or ’50s):
“I’m a straightshoooter Valentine. May I be your BOW” (1930s):
“I’m hunting for you, Valentine” (1941):
“Ugh! Ugh! I’m an INDIAN GIVER. It’s time you should learn it. For I won’t give my love, unless you’ll RETURN it!” (1940s):
“Ugh! Ugh! Give me your heart Valentine!”:
“You heap fine Valentine AND HOW!” (1950s or ’60s):
“I’m sending this ARROW CHEIFLY to say, let me be your “beau” (1930s or ’40s):
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Lisa Wade is a professor of sociology at Occidental College. You can follow her on Twitter and Facebook.
