These vintage unused postage stamps will evoke a touch of whimsy and add personality to your mailings! Includes a total of TEN (10) of the 32-cent unused vintage George Catlin “The White Cloud, Head Chief of the Iowas" postage stamps shown in photos.

STAMP INFORMATION:

• Name: George Catlin’s “The White Cloud, Head Chief of the Iowas"
• Series: Four Centuries Of American Art
• Year Issued: 1998
• Face Value: 32 cents each (USD)
• Topic(s): Fine Art, American Artists, Paintings, Portrait, Native American Indian, Chief, Leader
• Color(s): Multicolored, Red
• Printing Method: Photogravure
• Adhesion Type: Gummed (see below for adhesion instructions)
• Condition: Genuine Unused USPS Postage Stamps, Ready to Use for USPS Mailings, Mint Condition

GENUINE USPS POSTAGE: These unused vintage postage stamps are perfectly valid for use as current postage for mailing with USPS as long as you use the adequate amount of postage to achieve standard postage rates according to the weight of your mailing.

STAMP HISTORY: This postage stamp featuring George Catlin’s White Cloud, Head Chief of the Iowas (c. 1844–1845) is part of the Four Centuries of American Art series. This stamp honors both Catlin’s contributions as an artist and the cultural heritage of Native American leaders. The portrait depicts White Cloud, a chief of the Ioway (Iowa) people, in traditional regalia. He is portrayed with dignity and strength, emphasizing his leadership and cultural identity. George Catlin, known for his extensive documentation of Native American life in the 19th Century, painted with a blend of realism and romanticism. His works aimed to preserve Indigenous cultures at a time when they were under significant threat from U.S. expansion. White Cloud is presented in a commanding yet introspective pose, adorned with symbolic attire, including feathers, beads, and possibly war paint, which hold spiritual and cultural significance. The United States Postal Service (USPS) stamp carefully reproduces Catlin’s painting, maintaining the rich colors and details that highlight White Cloud’s presence. Catlin’s work remains one of the most significant visual records of Native American leaders and traditions from the 1800s. His portraits serve as historical documents, preserving the legacy of figures like White Cloud. The inclusion of this painting in the Four Centuries of American Art series acknowledges the importance of Indigenous figures in American history and highlights the role of Native American culture in shaping the nation’s identity.

STAMP MEANING & SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE: This postage stamp featuring the painting The White Cloud, Head Chief of the Iowas by George Catlin carries profound spiritual significance, particularly in the context of Native American leadership, cultural identity, and ancestral wisdom. White Cloud, as a chief, represents the resilience, wisdom, and leadership of his people. His depiction in Catlin’s work elevates his stature, offering a respectful and dignified portrayal of Indigenous leadership. This stamp serves as a recognition of the enduring presence of Indigenous cultures despite historical adversities. In many Indigenous worldviews, ancestral spirits continue to guide and protect their descendants. The act of commemorating White Cloud on a stamp acknowledges the spiritual endurance of Native peoples. Issuing a postage stamp with White Cloud’s image in 1998 can be seen as an act of cultural recognition and healing, acknowledging the historical erasure of Native voices. It encourages a broader public awareness of Indigenous heritage and spiritual resilience. In essence, the stamp is not just a commemorative piece but a reflection of the spiritual strength and sacred legacy of Native American leaders. It serves as a visual reminder of the wisdom and cultural contributions of White Cloud and the Iowa people.

SERIES HISTORY: The Four Centuries of American Art postage stamp series was issued by the United States Postal Service (USPS) on August 27, 1998 in Santa Clara, California, as a pane of 20 commemorative stamps, each with a face value of 32-cents, celebrating the rich history of American visual arts. The purpose of this landmark USPS release, celebrating 20 iconic works from colonial portraiture to modern Pop Art, was to honor the diversity and innovation of American artists across four centuries. This series showcases notable paintings and sculptures from the 17th through the 20th centuries, reflecting the evolution of artistic expression in the United States. Each stamp in this collection depicts a masterpiece from a different time period, spanning from the colonial era to modern American art. The selection includes portraits, landscapes, historical depictions, and abstract works, representing a wide range of artistic styles and movements. This series showcases the diversity of American art across different eras and styles, includes both traditional and avant-garde pieces, reflecting shifts in American society, and serves as a lasting teaching tool to introduce the public to significant American artists.

GUMMED STAMP: This postage stamp has a traditional moisture-activated gum on the back. These stamps require licking or wetting to adhere to envelopes or other surfaces. To ensure good adhesion, apply vintage gummed stamps to your mailings with a glue stick (we recommend using Elmer's "Re-Stick" glue sticks).

QUESTIONS? We love hearing from our customers and replies to inquires are usually answered the same day. Need more of this stamp? Looking for a particular stamp not found on our website? Want a curated postage set for your special event?

ABOUT HERITAGE POST HOUSE: Jennifer Kramer is the founder of Heritage Post House, a boutique vintage postage house located in Northern California. Jennifer sources the most beautiful unused vintage postage stamps ever issued by USPS and artfully arranges them into curated postage sets that are sure to add a special touch to your invitations, announcements, and special mailings. In addition to creating pre-arranged postage sets, Jennifer also works with couples (and their stationers) to create one-of-a-kind custom postage arrangements for wedding invitations, save the dates, and other special occasions.


Product Specifications

Length: 1.57 in.
Height: 0.01 in.
Width: 1.24 in.
Weight: 0.01 lbs.