Ethnic & Indigenous Identities
In the twenty-first century we must embrace the diversity of our shrinking world. Playing cards often depict national or ethnic identities, cultures, worldviews, and native communities. These representations show the indigenous capacity to assert dignity amidst modernity, sometimes outshining even the fashion industry.
See also: Nationalism • Politics►
Pekka-peli
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by Simon Wintle
‘Pekka’, an additional card in the set, is an ethically-incorrect golly look-alike card, embodying the caricature of foreign heritage without a status or family structure. In other countries the game is often known as ‘Old Maid’, ‘Black Peter’, ‘Petter-spel’ or ‘Schwarzer Peter’.
Playing Cards from Mauritius
Pack designed for La Maison de L’Artisanat Ltée, Mauritius, by Hervé de Cotter.
Playing cards from Suriname
Playing cards reflecting the history and culture of Suriname, on the northeastern coast of South America.
Reshuffle
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by Simon Wintle
“Reshuffle” by Reetta Hiltunen, Finland, is a playing card installation stemming from the traditional Finnish children's card game Pekka-game or Funny Families.
Sheba by Omega Concepts Ltd
Sheba playing cards illustrated by Brent Bailer and published by Omega Concepts Ltd.
Slavonic
Originally published as “Slavonic Cards No.501” by The Colour Printing Plant, St. Petersburg in 1928.
South American Costumes
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by Simon Wintle
Costumes of people of Brazil, Peru and Mexico, with views of Rio de Janeiro on the aces.
Spin & Old Maid
Lovely Victorian family card game with illustrations by the famous humorous artist, cartoonist and illustrator Richard Doyle (1824-1883)
The Times of Kamehameha The Great
Figures from Hawaiian history and scenes of everyday life designed by Joseph Feher.
Tonalamatl
Baraja Tonalamatl Mexican Aztec playing cards based on the prehispanic Codex Borgia manuscript.
Traditional Nomadic Life of Mongolia
Playing cards depicting paintings of Traditional Nomadic Life of Mongolia.
Trinidad Carnival Playing Cards
“Allfours Carnival Playing Cards” designed by Gabby Woodham, Trinidad, 1995