Ethnic & Indigenous Identities

In the twenty-first century we may no longer exclude or ignore any part of our shrinking world. The portrayal of national or ethnic identity on playing cards reflects the various cultural backgrounds, worldviews, native communities and language groups which co-exist in the world today, celebrating their accomplishments, artistry and histories. The indigenous capacity to assert itself with dignity in the face of modernity shines through these cards. Sometimes their costumes are better than the fashion industry.

Aeronaves de Mexico
Special pack for Aeronaves de Mexico S.A., designed by Ramón Valdiosera Berman, mid-1960s.

Africa playing cards
According to the United Nations there are 54 countries on the continent of Africa

African Art
“African Art” playing cards by John J. Beckvermit III, 1994

African art playing cards
African art and symbolism on playing cards designed by John J. Beckvermit III, USA, 1994.

African Renaissance Deck
African Renaissance Deck published for Nkosi's Haven, South Africa, 2000.

Ainu culture
A terrific deck of cards made by Nintendo c.1979 with original designs on every card showing the Ainu, the indigenous people of Japan.

Air India
‘Air India’ playing cards, made in India.

America
“America” playing cards designed by Teodoro N Miciano, 1960.

Apache cards by Tonto Naipero
Apache rawhide playing cards by ‘Tonto Naipero’, c.1871.

Apache Playing Cards
Apache Indian Playing Cards made on rawhide, first recorded 1875.

Aparcero
Naipes Argentinos 'La Partida' y 'Aparcero' published by Obsequios Empresarios Argentinos, Santa Fe.

Banana Leaf Cards
English Standard pack hand drawn & coloured on banana leaf, c.1820.

Baraja Aparcero
Designed to illustrate the history of four indigenous tribes who represent the roots of the Argentinean race.

Baraja Canaria
‘La Auténtica Baraja Canaria’ was published in 1995 by Justo Pérez as an expression of the history and character of the Canary Islands.

Baraja Charra Ernesto Icaza
“Baraja Charra” with paintings by Ernesto Icaza, 2002.

Baraja Gaucha
“Baraja Gaucha” fantasy deck designed by Mateo Tikas Plechas for Argentina, 1998.

Baralla Galega
'Baralla Galega' designed by X. Cobas and published by Imprenta Comercial Imprent S.A., La Coruña (Spain) in 1983

Black & White Whisky by Nintendo
Whisky advertising playing cards manufactured by Nintendo Playing Cards Co Ltd for Dodwell & Co., 1960s.

Boutros Arabic Playing Cards
Arabic playing cards designed by Evy Maros & Mourad Boutros.

Bretagne
Jeu de Cartes “Bretagne” conveying their cultural identity.