Sheba Playing Cards

The stunning "Sheba" cards, made by Brown & Bigelow and published by Omega Concepts, Ltd., c.1972. The designs of the court cards are by Brent Bailer, an African-American artist, active in advertising. The Kings depict Askia the Great, Emperor of Songhay c.1442-1539 A.D.; the Queens portray Makeda, Queen of Ethiopia and Sheba c.1,000-950 B.C. (the "Queen of Sheba"); and the Jacks depict Hannibal, the Immortal Carthaginian General c.247 B.C.-183 B.C. This is the first edition with a beautiful back (red or black) inspired by African pattern — and with wacky colours on the court cards, as opposed to the newer version from 1996.