Tribal Chief
col001 · Collectible Minifigures
Series 1 · 2010 (May 1st, 2010)
Figure ID
col001
Theme
Collectible Minifigures
Year Released
2010 (May 1st, 2010)
Rarity
Rare. This was part of the very first Series of Collectible Minifigures (CMF), which had a shorter production run and much lower distribution compared to modern series.
Head
Yellow classic skin tone with a wide, toothy grin and blue/yellow horizontal war paint stripes on both cheeks. Single-sided printing.
Torso
Tan base color with intricate front printing depicting a traditional breastplate made of bone or pipes, featuring red and blue geometric patterns. Back is unprinted. Yellow arms and hands.
Legs
Tan legs with front printing that continues the geometric red and blue 'loincloth' pattern, including fringe details at the bottom of the printing area.
Accessories
Includes a large, white triple-feathered headdress with black tips and blue/red headband detailing (seen in image). Originally also included a brown spear, which is missing from the photo.
Color Scheme
Primary colors are Tan and Yellow, with accent colors of Bright Blue, Red, and Black for the tribal patterns and headdress.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing for 2010 standards. Includes head, torso, and leg printing, which was relatively advanced for a single figure at the time. No arm or side-leg printing.
Variants
There are no official production variants of col001, though the character was reimagined in later 'Western' themes with different part IDs.
Condition Notes
The white headdress is highly prone to yellowing and dirt accumulation (visible in the image). The tan plastic can show stress marks at the heels and arm sockets over time.
Estimated Value
Used (Complete): $25-$35 USD; New (Sealed in bag): $55-$75 USD. The figure in the image is missing the spear and shows signs of play wear, likely valued at $18-$22 USD.
Price (New)
Originally sold in blind bags for $1.99 USD in 2010.
Compatible Sets
8683-1 (Series 1 Minifigures)
Character Background
A generic tribal leader meant to evoke the classic LEGO Western theme of the late 1990s. He is often viewed as the spiritual successor to the Chief from the 1997 'Wild West' sub-theme.
Design Notes
The headdress is a specialized mold that has become iconic for early CMF collectors. This figure marked LEGO's return to highly detailed historical/cultural figures outside of standard licensed themes.
Similar Minifigures
Chief Chief (ww013) from the 1997 Western theme, Tribal Hunter (Series 1), and Battle Goddess (Series 12).
Collectibility
Extremely high. As the very first figure (col001) in the very first CMF series, it is a cornerstone of any serious minifigure collection.
History
Launched the blind-bagged 'Collectible Minifigures' line in 2010, which revolutionized how LEGO sold individual figures and led to over 25 subsequent main-line series.
Interesting Facts
Though labeled as 'Tribal Chief,' many fans simply call him the 'Indian Chief' as a tribute to the old Western sets. He is one of the most counterfeited figures from Series 1 due to his value.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in a dedicated CMF Series 1 frame. If out of a case, keep away from direct sunlight to prevent the white headdress from turning yellow.
Modification Potential
Excellent for Western-themed MOCs or dioramas. The headdress is compatible with almost all standard LEGO heads.
Overall Assessment
A legendary minifigure that marks the beginning of the CMF era. While this specific specimen shows some wear and is missing an accessory, it remains a highly desirable piece of LEGO history.