Peccary, from the Quadrupeds series (N21) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This small chromolithograph of a peccary, a pig-like animal native to the Americas, was part of a series made by Allen & Ginter for their cigarette packs. During the late 19th century, the mass production and distribution of cigarette cards coincided with a growing interest in natural history and exploration. These cards provided consumers with bite-sized images and information about the world. Yet, the cards also reflect the era’s colonial gaze, framing animals like the peccary as exotic commodities for consumption. Consider the emotional impact of encountering this animal reduced to a collectible item; a far cry from its existence in its natural habitat. The card served as a token of both knowledge and control. It speaks volumes about the relationship between commerce, culture, and the natural world during a time of unprecedented expansion and industrialization. In this way, the image of the peccary is both intimate and distant, beautiful and exploitative, educational and a symbol of power dynamics.