Osaze Amadasun's Playing Cards Pay Homage To The Ancient Benin Kingdom

No game night hosted by young Nigerians is complete without at least one deck of playing cards, whether it be the standard French cards or Whot. Now, Osaze Amadasun, a Lagos-based illustrator and designer, is looking to add another deck to the mix.

The gifted Amadasun, whose latest exhibition was a series of stunning paintings reminiscent of the ancient Benin kingdom, has unveiled BINI Playing Cards.

The BINI Playing Cards, which comprises of 54 cards and features custom court and pip cards, pay homage to the ancient kingdom of Benin and its classical works of art — which date all the way back to the 15th century.

Speaking with Konbini about what inspired him, Amadasun said:

“I’ve always looked for new ways to represent Benin art asides the classic ‘Benin Bronzes’ everyone is familiar with.

The deck of cards just happens to be one out of a couple of other projects I’m working on centered around the kingdom of Benin.”

While Amadasun doesn’t think he will be creating any more games inspired by the ancient Benin kingdom anytime soon, he does plan to release other versions of the BINI Playing Cards as time goes on, and we can’t to see them.

You can order the cards by DM’ing this Instagram page.