Yak, from the Wild Animals of the World series (N25) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This small card portraying a Yak was made by Allen & Ginter as part of their Wild Animals of the World series. Dominating the composition are the yak’s majestic horns, curving upwards like a crescent moon. These horns, symbols of power and virility, echo motifs found in ancient bull imagery across cultures. Consider the bull imagery of ancient Crete, or the horned deities of Mesopotamia. The horns, deeply embedded in our collective memory, resurface time and again. The association of horns with strength and potency is not merely a visual convention; it taps into a primal understanding of animalistic force. Think about the psychological impact: the horns evoke a sense of awe, maybe even fear, triggering deep-seated emotions linked to our own vulnerability and respect for the power of nature. This little card serves as a reminder of how symbols evolve, adapt, and continue to resonate across vast expanses of time and cultural change.