Baralla Galega
'Baralla Galega' designed by X. Cobas and published by Imprenta Comercial Imprent S.A., La Coruña (Spain) in 1983
Baralla Galega
'Baralla Galega' was designed by X. Cobas and published by Imprenta Comercial Imprent S.A., La Coruña (Spain) in 1983. The design of the cards is based on the folk traditions, symbolic objects and regional dress of Galician people in northwest Spain. Galicia is an autonomous region in Spain and has its own official language. A revival of Galician language and culture has been taking place and tourism improves the region's economic outlook. The scallop shell, or concha de vieira in the Galician language, became associated with the pilgrimage to Santiago.
The suit symbols are Scallop Shells, Baskets, the Cross of St. James and Staves. The 'Jacks' are female; Cavaliers or Knights are horse's heads and the Kings are elder men seated on gilded chairs. See also: Baraja Gallega →
Above: 'Baralla Galega' was designed by X. Cobas, whose signature appears on the Ace of Clubs, and published by Imprenta Comercial Imprent S.A., La Coruña (Spain) in 1983. The reverse has an advertisement for a dairy cooperative. 40 cards in box.
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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