Pre-Columbian Deck of Cards
Premise
This project was made for my Senior Capstone where I presented during our Creative Arts and Technology Capstone Symposium. I designed and printed a deck of 52 playing cards inspired by Ancient Mayan Muralism and Meso-American Mythology. The goal of this project is to uplift indigenous history and embrace diversity. The face cards are meant to represent Ancient Mayan nobility and religious deities. The number cards are inspired by Ancient Pre-Columbian number systems and codices. These cards would play normally like any other deck of cards, with minor substitutions and replacements. Many of the images directly reference ancient artifacts or historical illustrations. 

Process
I chose to do this subject because of my passion for Latin American History and Indigenous Mythology. I compiled research on ancient Mayan muralism, paying close attention to the texture of distressed stone and pre-colonial painting methods. I searched for prominent historical figures, deities, and roles within the nobility class to inspire the illustrations I use for the face cards. The colors are directly referencing the colors used in these ancient murals and the materials/substances that were used at the time. I struggled most with traversing the line between creative freedom and a duty to historical accuracy. Although directly referencing historical material and artifacts, I stylized the figures to be more visually impactful.
Face Cards




“Jack”
The Jack card is inspired by Shamanistic rituals and representations in Mayan Muralism.
The Jack card is inspired by Shamanistic rituals and representations in Mayan Muralism.
“King”
The King card is inspired by Mayan warrior classes and warfare artifacts.
The King card is inspired by Mayan warrior classes and warfare artifacts.
“Queen”
The Queen card is inspired by Ix-Chel the Mayan goddess of medicine and childbirth.
The Queen card is inspired by Ix-Chel the Mayan goddess of medicine and childbirth.
“Joker”
Inspired by a mix of various Ancient Mayan artifacts and statues.
Inspired by a mix of various Ancient Mayan artifacts and statues.
Number Cards



