This specific denomination of postage, issued in 1922 as part of a series honoring prominent Native American figures, featured the image of Chief Hollow Horn Bear. It represents a tangible piece of U.S. postal and cultural history, reflecting the nation’s recognition of Indigenous leaders. The stamp itself served a practical purpose, enabling the delivery of mail at the then-current first-class rate.
The issuance holds historical significance. It represents an early example of federal recognition of Native American contributions, albeit through a specific lens of the time. Philatelically, the item remains a desirable collectible, its value varying based on condition and scarcity. Furthermore, it offers a glimpse into graphic design trends and printing techniques of the early 20th century. Studying this postal artifact can illuminate evolving societal attitudes toward Indigenous peoples and their representation.
Further exploration of this topic might include examining the broader series of stamps it belonged to, the life and legacy of the featured individual, or the sociopolitical context surrounding its release. Delving into these areas provides a richer understanding of the stamp’s multifaceted significance.
Tips for Collectors of Early 20th-Century U.S. Postage
Acquiring and preserving items like the 1922 issue requires careful consideration and informed practices. The following guidance offers collectors valuable insights for building and maintaining a philatelic collection focused on this era.
Tip 1: Condition is Paramount: A stamp’s value is heavily influenced by its condition. Factors such as centering, gum intactness (if applicable), and the absence of tears or creases significantly impact desirability and price.
Tip 2: Authentication Matters: Seek expert authentication for potentially valuable specimens. Certification by reputable philatelic organizations provides assurance of genuineness and can enhance market value.
Tip 3: Proper Storage is Essential: Protect items from environmental factors like humidity, light, and temperature fluctuations. Archival-quality storage materials are crucial for long-term preservation.
Tip 4: Research Thoroughly: Understanding the historical context, printing variations, and relative scarcity of specific issues informs collecting strategies and helps identify undervalued opportunities.
Tip 5: Network with Other Collectors: Engaging with fellow enthusiasts provides valuable insights, trading opportunities, and access to specialized knowledge.
Tip 6: Consult Philatelic Resources: Utilize reputable catalogs, publications, and online resources to deepen understanding and stay abreast of market trends and new discoveries.
Tip 7: Consider Professional Appraisal: Periodic appraisals provide an updated assessment of collection value and inform insurance coverage decisions.
By adhering to these principles, collectors can build meaningful collections while preserving these historical artifacts for future generations. Careful consideration of these aspects ensures both the enjoyment and potential investment value of the collection.
This guidance provides a foundational understanding of responsible collecting practices. Further research and engagement within the philatelic community will enhance expertise and contribute to a rewarding collecting experience.
1. Denomination (14 cents)
The denomination of 14 cents directly connects the 1922 Hollow Horn Bear stamp to the postal rates of its time. This specific face value signified the cost of sending a first-class letter within the United States during that period. Understanding this connection provides crucial context for the stamp’s practical function. It wasn’t merely a commemorative item; it served a concrete purpose within the postal system. For example, a letter mailed using this stamp in 1922 demonstrates its use as payment for the designated postal service.
The designated face value highlights the stamp’s role within a larger economic and communication framework. Postal rates are adjusted over time to reflect changing operational costs and economic conditions. Therefore, the 14-cent denomination acts as a historical marker, reflecting the cost of mail delivery in the early 20th century. Examining historical postal rates can offer insights into economic trends and the evolving value of communication services. This specific denomination distinguishes this issue from others within the same series or from different periods, further emphasizing its historical specificity.
Recognizing the significance of the 14-cent denomination provides a deeper understanding of the stamp’s purpose and its place within the historical context of the U.S. postal system. While its design and subject matter hold cultural significance, its face value grounds it in the practical realities of mail delivery in 1922. This understanding enriches the appreciation of the stamp as both a historical artifact and a functional element within a larger system. It provides a tangible link to the past, illustrating the cost of communication in a bygone era and the evolving nature of postal services.
2. Issuing Country (United States)
The United States’ issuance of the 1922 14-cent stamp featuring Chief Hollow Horn Bear carries significant implications. It represents a specific act by the federal government, reflecting official recognition of a prominent Native American figure. This act occurred within a particular historical context, marked by complex and evolving relationships between the U.S. government and Indigenous peoples. The decision to feature Hollow Horn Bear on a postage stamp, a widely circulated item, signifies a degree of official acknowledgment of his stature and, by extension, Native American presence within the nation’s narrative. This contrasts with other historical periods marked by conflict and displacement. The stamp’s issuance can be viewed as a form of symbolic representation, albeit within a framework shaped by prevailing power dynamics and societal attitudes of the time.
Further analysis reveals complexities inherent in this act. While the stamp might be interpreted as a positive gesture of recognition, it also occurred within a period of ongoing assimilation policies and land disputes. The image itself, while honoring an individual, also potentially reinforces specific stereotypes or romanticized notions of Indigenous identity. Examining the broader historical context surrounding the stamp’s release provides a more nuanced understanding of its significance. For example, researching contemporary government policies towards Native Americans illuminates the complexities of this symbolic representation. Comparing this portrayal with other representations of Indigenous peoples in media and official documents from the same period offers additional insights.
Understanding the role of the United States as the issuing country is crucial for interpreting the stamp’s meaning. It underscores the stamp’s function not only as a postal artifact but also as a product of specific governmental decisions and prevailing societal views. Recognizing these complexities allows for a more critical and informed analysis of the stamp’s historical and cultural significance. This understanding facilitates a deeper appreciation of the stamp as a reflection of a specific moment in the complex relationship between the United States and its Indigenous population. It serves as a starting point for further exploration of this multifaceted history and its ongoing relevance.
3. Subject (American Indian)
The selection of “American Indian” as the subject of the 1922 14-cent stamp holds profound cultural and historical significance. This choice, featuring Chief Hollow Horn Bear, a respected Lakota leader, represents a deliberate act of representation within the context of early 20th-century America. It reflects prevailing societal attitudes towards Indigenous peoples, official government policies, and the evolving relationship between the United States and its Native American population. This decision carries implications beyond mere subject matter; it contributes to the stamp’s broader meaning as a cultural artifact and historical document. For example, the choice of a specific individual, Hollow Horn Bear, rather than a generic or stereotypical representation, suggests an attempt to acknowledge individual leadership and contributions within Native American communities.
Further analysis reveals the complexities of this representation. While the inclusion of an Indigenous figure on a widely circulated item like a postage stamp might be seen as a form of recognition or honor, it also occurs within a period marked by complex power dynamics and ongoing assimilation efforts. The image itself, chosen by the U.S. government, inevitably reflects the dominant culture’s perspective and potentially reinforces existing stereotypes or romanticized notions of Indigenous identity. Understanding the historical context surrounding this depiction is crucial for interpreting its full meaning. For instance, researching the life and legacy of Hollow Horn Bear provides insight into the specific individual represented and his significance within Lakota history. Comparing this portrayal with other representations of Native Americans in contemporary media and official documents helps to contextualize the image within broader societal trends.
The “American Indian” subject matter of this stamp serves as a critical lens for examining broader themes of representation, identity, and power dynamics within early 20th-century America. It underscores the complexities of intercultural relations and the challenges of accurately and respectfully representing diverse cultural groups. The stamp’s enduring significance lies not only in its postal function but also in its capacity to prompt critical reflection on historical and contemporary representations of Indigenous peoples. This understanding encourages a deeper appreciation for the nuances of cultural representation and the ongoing need for accurate and respectful portrayals of diverse communities.
4. Format (Postage stamp)
The format of the “14 cent American Indian stamp” as a postage stamp significantly influences its meaning and function. While its design and subject matter hold cultural and historical significance, its fundamental purpose as a postage stamp grounds it within the practical realities of mail delivery in 1922. Understanding this format is essential for a comprehensive appreciation of the artifact.
- Functionality as Prepayment for Postal Services
Postage stamps serve as physical proof of prepayment for postal services. The “14 cent American Indian stamp” fulfilled this function, allowing for the delivery of mail at the then-current first-class rate. A letter sent using this stamp demonstrates its practical use within the postal system. This functionality distinguishes it from other forms of printed media or artwork, highlighting its role within a system of communication and commerce.
- Circulation and Public Visibility
As a postage stamp, the image of Chief Hollow Horn Bear reached a wide audience. Stamps are inherently circulated objects, affixed to mail and traveling across geographical boundaries. This widespread visibility contributed to the public recognition of Hollow Horn Bear and, more broadly, of Native American figures. This public exposure contrasts with other forms of representation, such as paintings or sculptures, which might have a more limited audience. The stamp’s format as a circulating medium amplified its potential impact on public perception.
- Collectibility and Preservation
The format of a postage stamp lends itself to collection and preservation. Philatelists collect and study stamps as historical artifacts, appreciating their design, rarity, and historical context. The “14 cent American Indian stamp,” due to its age and subject matter, is a desirable collectible. Its small size and relative durability facilitate its preservation over time, contributing to its continued study and appreciation by collectors and researchers. This aspect distinguishes stamps from other ephemera, which might be more easily lost or damaged.
- Official Sanction and Authority
Postage stamps are officially issued by governments, imbuing them with a degree of authority and legitimacy. The “14 cent American Indian stamp,” issued by the United States government, carries the weight of official sanction. This official status distinguishes it from privately produced images or artwork, highlighting its role as a form of government-sanctioned representation. This aspect adds another layer of complexity to its interpretation, linking it to official government policies and attitudes towards Native Americans during this period.
Considering the “14 cent American Indian stamp” within the context of its format as a postage stamp provides crucial insights into its multifaceted significance. It illuminates not only its practical function within the postal system but also its role as a circulating image, a collectible artifact, and a product of official government representation. Understanding these interconnected aspects enhances appreciation for the stamp’s enduring historical and cultural value.
5. Issue year (1922)
The year 1922 provides crucial historical context for understanding the 14-cent stamp featuring Chief Hollow Horn Bear. This specific year situates the stamp within a particular period in U.S. history, marked by specific social, political, and economic conditions. These conditions influence the stamp’s meaning and significance. For example, 1922 falls within a period of ongoing assimilation policies directed towards Native Americans. Understanding these policies illuminates the complexities of representing an Indigenous leader on a government-issued stamp during this era. Furthermore, the economic climate of 1922, including the prevailing postal rates, directly relates to the stamp’s 14-cent denomination. This context helps explain the practical function of the stamp as payment for first-class mail delivery at the time.
Examining 1922 in more detail reveals significant events and trends relevant to the stamp’s interpretation. The ongoing struggle for Native American rights and land sovereignty provides a backdrop against which the stamp’s issuance can be analyzed. Researching specific legislative actions or social movements related to Indigenous populations in 1922 provides deeper insights. Moreover, exploring the broader cultural landscape of the United States during this period, including prevalent artistic styles and public perceptions of Native Americans, further contextualizes the stamp’s design and subject matter. Comparing the stamp’s imagery with other depictions of Indigenous peoples from the same era reveals prevailing visual tropes and societal attitudes.
Connecting the 1922 issue year to the stamp featuring Chief Hollow Horn Bear provides a richer understanding of its historical and cultural significance. This temporal context allows for a more nuanced interpretation, moving beyond a simple description of the stamp’s physical attributes to a deeper analysis of its meaning within a specific historical moment. Recognizing the complexities of this period enhances appreciation for the stamp as a reflection of the evolving relationship between the United States and its Indigenous population. This understanding encourages further exploration of the broader historical narrative and its ongoing relevance.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the 1922 14-cent stamp featuring Chief Hollow Horn Bear, providing concise and informative responses.
Question 1: Who was Chief Hollow Horn Bear?
Chief Hollow Horn Bear (1850-1913) was a prominent Lakota leader known for his advocacy for his people’s rights and his efforts to maintain peace during a turbulent period in U.S.-Native American relations. He participated in several significant historical events and served as a representative for the Lakota in negotiations with the U.S. government.
Question 2: Why was he chosen for this stamp?
The specific reasons for selecting Chief Hollow Horn Bear for the 1922 stamp remain a subject of scholarly inquiry. Factors likely include his recognized leadership within the Lakota community and his role in interactions with the U.S. government. Further research into the decision-making process within the postal service at the time may offer additional insights.
Question 3: What is the stamp’s value?
The value of the stamp varies based on condition, including factors like centering, gum intactness, and any flaws. Consulting professional philatelic resources or seeking appraisals from reputable dealers provides the most accurate assessment of an individual stamp’s market value.
Question 4: Are there different varieties of this stamp?
While the basic design remains consistent, variations may exist due to different printing plates or paper types. Specialized philatelic catalogs provide detailed information regarding any identified varieties and their potential impact on value.
Question 5: How should this stamp be stored?
Proper storage is crucial for preserving the stamp’s condition. Archival-quality materials, protection from humidity and light exposure, and stable temperature conditions are essential for long-term preservation.
Question 6: Where can one learn more about this stamp and its historical context?
Reputable philatelic societies, libraries with specialized collections, and online resources dedicated to postal history offer avenues for further research. Consulting scholarly works on U.S.-Native American relations and the history of the Lakota people provides additional context.
Understanding the historical and cultural context surrounding this artifact enhances its appreciation. Further research and engagement with philatelic resources can deepen one’s knowledge.
Exploring related topics such as Chief Hollow Horn Bear’s biography, Lakota history, and U.S. postal history provides a more comprehensive understanding of this artifact’s significance.
Conclusion
Examination of the 1922 14-cent stamp featuring Chief Hollow Horn Bear reveals a multifaceted artifact encompassing postal history, cultural representation, and U.S.-Native American relations. Its denomination reflects the postal rates of the era, while its issuance by the United States signifies a specific act of official recognition. The choice of an Indigenous leader as the subject matter opens avenues for exploring representational complexities within a specific historical context. The stamp’s format as a postage stamp influenced its circulation, collectibility, and public visibility. Situating the stamp within the historical context of 1922 provides further insights into the social, political, and economic forces shaping its meaning.
This exploration underscores the value of studying seemingly small objects like postage stamps to gain deeper insights into larger historical narratives. Further research and critical analysis remain essential for a continued understanding of the complexities surrounding cultural representation and the ongoing legacy of U.S.-Native American relations. This artifact serves as a tangible reminder of the past and encourages ongoing dialogue about representation, identity, and historical memory.
