Popayan, from the playing cards "Jeu de la Géographie" 1644

Stefano della Bella made this playing card, "Popayan," as part of a "Jeu de la Géographie," or Geography Game. Here, the artist presents a European interpretation of an Indigenous person from the Andean city of Popayán. Consider the context in which this image was created. It was a time when European powers were actively colonizing and exploiting the Americas. This card reflects the gaze of the colonizer, reducing complex cultures to simplistic, often exoticized representations. Notice how the figure is adorned with what appears to be feathers or foliage. The artist uses these details to signify the "otherness" of the Indigenous people. However, we might also consider the resilience and resistance of those who were being represented. Despite the distortions and misrepresentations, the enduring presence of Indigenous communities serves as a powerful counter-narrative. This card is not merely an innocent game piece; it is a cultural artifact that speaks volumes about the power dynamics inherent in representation. It invites us to reflect on the ethical responsibilities we bear when portraying cultures that are not our own.