Native American/American Indian Themed

Like portrayals of African-Americans, images of Native Americans on valentines and other ephemera reflected the racial attitudes of the time in which they were created. Some cards on this page may be uncomfortable to view, but we feel it is important to remember how recent and pervasive the use of racist and ethnic caricatures were in mundane, daily entertainment.  It normalized negative stereotypes in a way that made overt institutionalized racism such as the residential schools for Native American children possible. 

I'm no Indian Giver. I wampum you Valentine!

3" x 4"
circa 1950s, 1960s
Flat

I'm huntin' for you! Be mine?

2" x 4 1/4"
1950s, 1960s
Flat
made in USA
by Doubl-Glo
marked: 5/5

 Me go on WAR PATH "Til get um Valentine

2 3/4" x 4"
circa 1950s, 1960s
Flat
made in USA

I'm sending a sign Be My Valentine!

2 1/2" x 4 1/4"
1950s
Flat
made in USA
marked: 8/5 400

I'll not be con-TENT Honest Injun.

7 1/8" x 4 1/4" flat
circa 1920s, 1930s
Standing Fold-Out

My heart beats like a tom-tom When I think of you, Dear Valentine.

5" x 7"
dated 1940
Mechanical Flat
marked: made in USA

I'm sending this ARROW CHIEFLY to say Let me be your BEAU My Valentine.

5 1/2" x 5 3/4"
Made in USA
circa 1930s, 1940s
Fold-Out 

You've kindled a spark of love in my heart my Valentine

4 1/8" x 2 7/8"
circa 1930s
Moving/Mechanical Card

With Valentine Greetings

3" x 3 3/8"
circa 1940s
made in USA

I want to be the CHIEF Interest in your Life

circa 1940s/1950s
Standing Fold-Out

I'd never SQUAWk if you'd be my Valentine

circa 1950s/1960s
Flat

Valentine Greetings

3 1/2" x 3 3/4"
circa 1920s

I'm a STRAIGHTSHOOTER Valentine.

May I be your BOW?

4 3/4" x 2 7/8"
circa 1930s
made in USA

I'm HUNTING for you Valentine

4" x 4 5/8"
dated 1941
made in USA
Flat

Ugh! Ugh! Give me your heart Valentine!
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!

3 3/4" x 4 1/4" (3 3/4" x 8 1/2" opened)
circa early 1940s
made in USA
Single Fold

You heap fine valentine and how!

2 1/8" x 3"
circa 1950s/1960s
made by Hallmark
Flat

I'd be UPSET if you said no - CANOE be my Valentine?

made in USA
circa 1930s/1940s
made in USA

Click here to browse the museum store for Native American themed valentines.