Naipes Criollos
“Naipes Criollos” Gaucho playing cards, 1995.
Gaucho playing cards with non-standard suit symbols and court cards wearing traditional gaucho attire, including ponchos, bombachas and gaucho hats. The jokers depict Argentine Payadors - gaucho folksingers. The legend “Un Peso Fuerte en Union y Libertad”, inscribed around the ace of coins, is Argentina’s national motto. The central “Sol de Mayo” [radiant yellow sun] is a national emblem.
Above: Gaucho playing cards with allegorical suit symbols, unknown artist, Published by BEAS, Argentina, 1995. 48 cards + 2 jokers.
By Simon Wintle
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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