Robert,
I noticed the resemblance to the Indian on the Buffalo nickel as soon as I saw it. That would be neat to think the same sculptor was experimenting with the figure on a round shape. I always thought it was someone copying the nickel. In any case it was done by someone with quite a bit of talent. I love the chip. I got it in a small lot of other poker chips and don't even recall what the other chips were. Like you, I really enjoy finding stuff that's not in the books.