South American Gaucho Playing Cards

Published July 03, 1996 • Updated April 25, 2022

Gaucho Playing Cards from South America

Several decks of Gaucho playing cards have been produced in or for South American countries, principally Argentina and Uruguay.

Molina Campos

Above: cards from Naipes Criollos ® "Molina Campos", Buenos Aires, 2004. The cards show characters from gaucho life more →

Naipes Victoria Gaucho

Gaucho Uruguayan Playing Cards - Naipes Uruguayos

Above: Naipes Victoria Gaucho pack manufactured in Uruguay by, c.1975 more →

See also: Naipes Charabon.

Falta Envido

Above: Naipes Argentinos para Truco "Falta Envido" created by Alberto Soifer and printed by Adans S.A., Buenos Aires, 1982. more →

Naipes Casino Estilo Argentino

Above: Naipes Casino Estilo Argentino published by Justo Rodero, c.1955, with Gaucho suit symbols more →

Other Gaucho themed packs

On a visit to an estanco, one may still find a gaucho at work, maybe a domador beaking horses.

Above: four of cups from a 'Domador' deck made by Cia Gral Fabril Financiera S.A., Buenos Aires, in c.1945. A gaucho's pride is still his horse.

Although true gaucho culture ended in the late 19^th century, much remains today. The job of ranch hand has become known as "paisano".

Above: four of cups from a 'Paisanito' deck made by E. Flaiban, Buenos Aires, in c.1950.

Songs and poems of the gaucho tradition reflect themes of love and nostalgia; many are political in nature and deal with the injustices of life.

See also: Gráficos Unidos S.A. (García Morales-Mercant), Dante 1978, Montevideo - Naipes 'El Gaucho'
Cervantes, Soriano 873, Montevideo - Naipes 'El Gaucho'
Caraven S.A. - Naipes 'El Gaucho'

Baraja Gaucha

Above: Baraja Gaucha with Gaucho designs published by Naipes Fournier specially for Argentina, 1999.

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By Simon Wintle

Member since February 01, 1996

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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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