Ethiopian

Ethiopian playing cards designed for the Ethiopian Tourist Organization by Afewerk Teklé, incorporating decorative motifs from Ethiopia’s historic and contemporary identity. According to Ethiopian tradition, a portrait printed in profile represents either the devil or one possessed by evil. Therefore all profile face cards have been rendered in semi-profile. See the extra card►

Afewerk Teklé (1932-2012) was an Ethiopian artist, particularly known for his paintings on African and Christian themes as well as his stained glass  more►

Above: Ethiopian playing cards designed for the Ethiopian Tourist Organization by Afewerk Teklé. Manufacturer uncertain but probably Waddingtons, c.1970s.

Ethiopia is considered one of the earliest sites of the emergence of anatomically modern humans, Homo sapiens. See Wikipedia►