Chief Blue Bear
ww010 · Western
Indians · 1997
Figure ID
ww010
Theme
Western
Year Released
1997
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare. Chief Blue Bear was the leader figure for the Western Indians sub-theme. While not as rare as convention exclusives, his value is high due to the short-lived nature of the Western theme (1996-1997) and the high demand for nostalgia-heavy vintage figures.
Head
Classic yellow skin tone with unique facial printing. Features black eyebrows, wrinkled eye lines, a subtle smile, and red war paint stripes on the cheeks. No dual-sided printing (standard for the era).
Torso
Tan torso with printing on the front only. Features a detailed necklace consisting of white feathers and a rectangular teal and red pattern (beadwork). Includes black curved lines representing traditional garments. Yellow hands and tan arms.
Legs
Tan legs with a blue feathered loincloth/skirt print. Features a black zigzag belt line and blue fringe-like patterns descending down the legs to represent traditional attire.
Accessories
The figure is wearing a specialized large white feathered headdress with red, blue, and black printing. In original sets, he often included a chrome gold spear or a specialized bow and arrow, along with a brown horse with tribal printing.
Color Scheme
Primary colors are Tan and White, accented by Bright Blue, Teal, Red, and Yellow. The palette is designed to reflect late-90s interpretations of Native American traditional dress.
Printing Details
Standard 1990s pad printing. While simpler than modern digital printing, the alignment on the headdress and the torso necklace is highly detailed for the period. The printing reaches the very edge of the headdress mold.
Variants
There are no major official variants of the 'Blue Bear' figure himself, though he is often confused with 'Chief Sharp Eye' (ww009) who had a more stern expression and different face paint.
Condition Notes
The white headdress is prone to yellowing if exposed to sunlight. Note the bite marks or 'play wear' on the feet in the image; common for vintage figures. The headdress print can flake over time, especially the red and blue sections.
Estimated Value
$25.00 - $45.00 USD for a used figure in good condition. New/Sealed in polybags or sets can command $60.00+. The figure in the image shows significant play wear on the feet and headdress edges, likely placing it at the $15.00-$20.00 range.
Price (New)
N/A (Individual figure). Originally packaged in sets like 'Chief's Tepee' (6746) which retailed for $20.00 in 1997, or 'Rapid River Village' (6766) for $50.00.
Compatible Sets
6746 Chief's Tepee, 6763 Rapid River Village, 6766 Rapid River Village, and 2846 Indian Chief Polybag.
Character Background
Chief Blue Bear serves as the elder leader of the Indian tribe in the LEGO Western theme. He was designed as a peaceful but powerful counterpart to the Cowboys and bandits in the 'Gold City Junction' sets.
Design Notes
The headdress mold (part 3067) was a significant breakthrough in 1997, featuring a large surface area for multi-color printing. This was the first year LEGO moved toward more culturally specific historical themes beyond Castle and Pirates.
Similar Minifigures
Chief Sharp Eye (ww009), Indian Warrior (ww011), and the Series 3 CMF Tribal Hunter.
Collectibility
High. The Western theme is a 'cult classic' among adult fans of LEGO (AFOLs). Collectors often seek to rebuild the 1997 village scenes, making the Chief a centerpiece requirements.
History
Released at the peak of the Western line's second wave. This era marked a transition where LEGO began using more specialized molds for hats and accessories before the licensed-theme era (Star Wars) began in 1999.
Interesting Facts
The 'Teal' color used on the torso was a very trendy color for LEGO in the late 90s, also appearing heavily in the Rock Raiders and early Technic lines of the same era.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed alongside a tan baseplate and the vintage LEGO brown horse with tribal print. Keep out of direct UV light to prevent the white headdress from turning yellow.
Modification Potential
The tan torso and legs are often used by MOC builders for desert or safari-themed customs. The headdress is a standalone iconic piece frequently used in historical dioramas.
Overall Assessment
An iconic piece of 90s LEGO history. Despite the visible wear on the feet of this specific specimen, it remains a highly desirable figure with excellent graphic design that holds up well against modern standards.