Egyptian Tarot
Egyptian Tarot inspired by ancient Egyptian art, mythology, and iconography, published by Naipes La Banca, Buenos Aires, c.1980.
Egyptian Tarot published by Naipes La Banca, Buenos Aires, c.1980
Ancient Egyptian deities or luminaries, with hieroglyphs and titles in Egyptian and English, have been aptly assigned to the 22 major arcana cards of this contemporary 78-card deck. Tarot symbolism was originally born in medieval Italy and includes archaic ideas which can be re-applied today. Although claims of Egyptian origin are debatable, the result is an attractive, symbolic tarot deck of universal appeal. The back design features a splendid scarab beetle (in fact a dung beetle, representing rebirth) holding a rising sun, resembling gold inlaid with blue, red and green enamel.
The four suits of the minor arcana are distinguished by textbox inscriptions and background colours. The court cards are Pharaoh, Queen, Charioteer and Page. The scarab beetle also appears on the one of coins, symbolising new energy for life in the underworld.
Above: Egyptian Tarot published by Naipes La Banca, Buenos Aires, c.1980. 78 cards + 2 extra cards. The cards are the size of normal playing cards.
By Simon Wintle
Spain • Member since February 01, 1996
I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.
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