Pennant, "Keokuk," 1940-1965

Souvenirs provide tangible proof of a tourist's travels. They also expose the prejudices of the time. This mid-20th century pennant uses a stereotyped image of a Native American. In addition to being culturally incorrect -- feathered headdresses were used by only a small number of Plains tribes -- images like this simply reinforced the discriminatory biases held by many non-Native Americans, purchasers of these souvenirs.