Steppes, from the Types of All Nations series (N24) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1889

This small card, printed by Allen & Ginter, was part of a series of cigarette cards called "Types of All Nations," dating back to the late 19th century. These cards reflect the widespread cultural phenomenon of collecting and the growing globalization of the time. This image creates meaning through visual codes and cultural references, presenting an exoticized and generalized view of people from the Steppes region, possibly Russia, during the height of Western colonialism. Consider the social conditions that made such images popular: the rise of consumer culture, the expansion of empires, and the desire for knowledge about distant lands. The card flattens diverse cultures into a single "type," reinforcing stereotypes and hierarchies. To understand this image better, we can consult historical archives, ethnographic studies, and research on advertising history. Only then can we grasp its role in shaping public perceptions and perpetuating cultural biases.