Nomad’s Journey: Card Deck
Launching on Kickstarter on May 1st
The Story Behind The Deck
Discover Nomad’s Journey — a beautifully illustrated deck of playing cards that invites you to explore the rich culture of Mongolia. Created by a Mongolian American designer, this 54-card poker-sized deck features 15 custom illustrations — one for each card rank plus two jokers. From attires to historic artifacts, every detail is a tribute to a vibrant and underrepresented culture. Whether you're a card enthusiast, a history buff, or someone who values meaningful, artistic storytelling, this deck offers something truly special. Nomad’s Journey is launching on Kickstarter on May 1st, and your support helps bring this unique cultural celebration to life.
Design Deep Dive
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King Card Design
During the Mongol Empire, the gerege was a special token that granted travelers diplomatic immunity and travel privileges. This guarantee of a safe passage facilitated cultural exchanges between distant civilizations and enabled the flow of ideas and goods across vast regions.
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Queen Card Design
Traditional Mongolian women’s headdresses come in various styles highlighting the rich heritage of Mongolian customs. Interestingly, the costume of Queen Amidala from Star Wars was heavily influenced by these traditional headdresses.
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Jack Card Design
The Altai Mountains are a prominent mountain range in Central Asia with the Mongolian section being home to rare snow leopards and argali sheep. This region has over 20 snow capped peaks showcasing the natural beauty of Mongolia.
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Blue Joker Card Design
Tsam (pronounced “tsahm”) is a Buddhist ritual performed by lamas wearing elaborate costumes and masks. This ceremonial performance traces its origins back to Tibet, where Buddhism was first introduced to Mongolia.
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Red Joker Card Design
The red and blue Joker cards represent two of the masks used in the Tsam dance. The red mask symbolizes a wrathful deity meant to ward off evil. The blue bull-like mask represents a powerful guardian spirit, often associated with protection and the cycle of life and death.
Ger: A traditional Mongolian home, known as a ger (pronounced "geh-er"), is designed for the nomadic lifestyle with its unique construction that allows for easy assembly and disassembly. The door of a ger always faces south to allow in as much sunlight as possible.
Bactrian Camels: Mongolia is home to the unique Bactrian camels, distinguished by their two humps. These resilient creatures thrive in the harsh environment of the Gobi.
Hot Milk Tea: In Mongolia, it is customary to be welcomed with a hot milk tea, which can be served in a traditional silver bowl. This comforting beverage is a staple. When brewing tea, Mongolians enhance its flavor by adding a little bit of salt.
Four Base Black Banners: During Mongolia's military history, the Four Base Black Banners were raised during times of war. Today, the banners reflect the legacy of the Mongol Empire and are kept in the Ministry of Defense.
Khadag: Khadag is a traditional greeting gift made from a long strip of fabric, typically silk. It is offered as a sign of goodwill to the recipient. While khadag can be found in various colors, blue is the most common, symbolizing respect.
Gutal: Traditional Mongolian boots, known as gutal (pronounced “guh-tahl”), are crafted from leather, felt, and quilt. One distinctive feature of these boots is their upturned tips, which symbolize a philosophy of “do no harm to nature.”
Morin Khuur: The morin khuur, or horse fiddle, is a traditional two-stringed instrument with an intricately carved horse head adorning the top. This instrument is not only a musical tool but also symbolizes the importance of horses to the Mongolian steppe culture.
Hoorog: A hoorog is a traditional snuff bottle used by Mongolians as a gesture of respect and greeting, particularly during special occasions like the Lunar New Year. When offered a hoorog, it is customary to accept it with the right hand.
Nine Base White Banners: The Nine Base White Banners were historically used as a peacetime emblem, distinguished by a larger central banner. Today, these banners are housed in the State Palace.
Archery: Mongolia boasts a rich and enduring tradition of archery, a legacy that remains vibrant today. Mongolians continue to showcase their remarkable skills by shooting arrows with precision while riding on horseback.
Kickstarter is a platform where creators share their ideas and invite others to help bring them to life. By backing Nomad’s Journey, your pledge helps cover production costs, and in return, you’ll receive the deck once it’s made. By backing this project, you're helping bring to life a creative piece that highlights Mongolian culture through thoughtful art and storytelling.
What It Means to Back This Project
Credit
Motion graphics & renders: Ryan Anderson @rhino_tns
Product photography: Cheryl Bever @cmbimageanddesign