Playing Card with Nine Parrots c. 1499 - 1510

This playing card with nine parrots was created by Meester PW van Keulen, using etching. Playing cards were not merely tools for entertainment; they were also mirrors reflecting the social values and hierarchies of their time. This particular card, adorned with parrots, invites us to consider the cultural symbolism of these exotic birds. Parrots, often associated with mimicry and exotic lands, could symbolize both wealth and the complexities of cultural exchange. The number nine, represented by the nine parrots, might have held specific numerological or symbolic significance within the game it belonged to, possibly related to luck or destiny. These cards also remind us of the tactile and communal nature of games, where individuals from different backgrounds could gather, strategize, and negotiate social relations. As you gaze upon this card, reflect on how simple objects can carry layers of meaning, connecting us to the pastimes and worldviews of those who lived centuries ago.