Unusual Vintage Compact Mirror Makeup Case MOP Native American Indian Chief

Description: Gorgeous MCM Small Compact Makeup Case with Intact Mirror and still containing the original powder and powder puff! It still opens and closes well. The outside is Mother of Pearl, and the Indian Chief was hand-painted, along with "Butternut, WIS. This was a souvenir from Butternut, WIS. We can date this pre-1963, because the two-letter postal abbreviation WI for Wisconsin was officially adopted in 1963. Souvenirs like this were popular around Chicago early to mid-century because families would pile in the car and take a trip somewhere they could reach with a short drive. My own family took yearly trips to Spooner, Wisconsin. More about this item:A souvenir makeup case made of mother of pearl from an Indian reservation in Butternut, Wisconsin, depicting a hand-painted image of an Indian Chief, is likely a collectible piece from mid-20th century America, when Native American-inspired souvenirs were commonly sold to tourists visiting reservations and surrounding towns. These makeup cases are prized for their craftsmanship, intricate detailing, and cultural significance, though they must be viewed with sensitivity as they reflect a particular era of souvenir production and often use stereotyped imagery.Design and Construction The case itself is typically constructed with a brass or metal framework that holds inlays of mother of pearl, a material known for its iridescent beauty and resilience. Mother of pearl was a popular choice for decorative items, as it provides a natural, reflective quality that adds elegance to even small items. The hand-painted depiction of a Native American Chief on the front would have been done in a style that blends traditional portraiture with artistic liberties. These portraits were often romanticized images, created to appeal to tourists looking for “authentic” souvenirs from the region, yet they were more inspired by popularized imagery than by authentic Indigenous portraiture. The case would likely have a small mirror inside the lid, a compartment for powder or blush, and possibly space for a small puff or applicator, making it a functional, as well as decorative, item. The inner lid may also contain a brass or metal clasp to keep the case secure when closed. Some of these cases included engravings or etchings that referenced the place of origin (in this case, Butternut, Wisconsin), enhancing their role as mementos of travel.Historical and Cultural Context Such cases were often produced as tourist items, especially during the 1940s to the 1960s, a period when roadside tourism was on the rise in the United States. Visitors to reservations and Native communities were eager to bring home souvenirs that represented the regions and cultures they encountered. Unfortunately, many of these depictions were romanticized or oversimplified, presenting Native American culture in a way that appealed to non-Native buyers rather than authentically representing the people or their traditions.Collectibility and Value Today, mother of pearl souvenir makeup cases with hand-painted designs are valued for their craftsmanship and as cultural artifacts. Collectors often look for pieces that are in good condition, with intact paint and unchipped mother of pearl. Because they were handmade or hand-painted, each case is unique, with some differences in the details or style of the artwork. It’s worth noting that these pieces are sometimes collected not only for their beauty but also for their historical context. Many collectors appreciate them as representations of a certain time in American history and as examples of souvenir art. However, there is growing awareness around the need to view such items with respect for the cultures they reference and to understand the complex, sometimes problematic history behind them.

Price: 79.99 USD

Location: Palos Heights, Illinois

End Time: 2025-02-07T01:38:50.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD