Nubian Sword, from the Arms of All Nations series (N3) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1887

This small chromolithograph of a Nubian sword was produced by Allen & Ginter, a cigarette company in Richmond, Virginia, as part of their "Arms of All Nations" series. These cards, like many from this era, offer a glimpse into the cultural and social landscape of the late 19th century United States. They were designed to be collected, traded, and stored in albums, turning them into vehicles for promoting the company's brand while subtly shaping public perceptions of different cultures. The image presents a romanticized vision of Nubia, a historical region encompassing parts of modern-day Sudan and Egypt. Note the figure of the Nubian warrior, complete with sword and shield, is juxtaposed with a desert landscape and a camel. The historical context is crucial here: this card appeared at a time when European and American imperial powers were actively engaged in colonizing Africa. To fully grasp the nuances of this image, we can turn to sources such as historical surveys, postcolonial theory, and studies of the tobacco industry. By doing so, we can better understand the ways in which art is always embedded in its own social and institutional context.