Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number

CAS 2002-0005-0009A-FF   CAS 2002-0005-0009A-FF; Playing cards
Category Tools & Implements; Visual Arts
Object Name Playing cards
Culture Anglo-American and Siberian Yup'ik (Yupik)
Global Region North America
Country USA
State/Prov./Dist. Alaska
County Anchorage
Other Geographic Data City: Anchorage
Maker's Name Bering Sea Originals, Florence Napaaq Malewotkuk, (also Florence Nupok, Florence N. Chauncey) (1906-1971)
Date of Manufacture ca. 1960s
Collection Name N/A
Materials Paper; Ink
Description Commercially manufactured deck of 32 playing cards (4 each of 7s through aces in standard suits of hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades); Each card bears reproduced image of pen and ink drawing of two running polar bears by Bering Sea Eskimo artist, Florence Malewotkuk; Image is detail from a larger image that was also reproduced on place mats and coasters by the same company; Reproduced signature "Florence Malewotkuk", the words "Bering Sea Originals", the initials "KR" (Kay Roberts), and the copyright symbol are imprinted in lower left corner of each card.
Dimensions (cm) Width = 5.2, Thickness = 0.1, Length = 8.9