Hab.t de Loango, from the playing cards (for quartets) "Costumes des Peuples Étrangers" 18th century

This 18th century anonymous engraving, "Hab.t de Loango", is a playing card from the "Costumes des Peuples Étrangers" series. The card depicts two individuals from Loango, a region in present-day Gabon. The figures are adorned in elaborate clothing and accessories, highlighting the diversity of cultures around the world. This card, and the entire series, represent a fascination with exotic cultures and the use of playing cards as a medium to disseminate knowledge. The artwork is currently in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.