I just received my deck and I actually like this deck. The author writes that the deck is not intended to reflect just one particular aspect of Africa because it is so broad. He also acknowledges that Africa is the mother of all civilization so he wanted to express a broad range of Africa. The African American images of jazz players, inventors, discovers, etc. are in the background but seem to serve as a link to the meaning of the card as well as a link to traditional African mythologies and archetypes. The thought and depth put into it is outstanding. The pictures are detailed, expressive, and colorful. (I also have the African Tarot deck which has childlike images that I did not like.)
The African American tarot's images span a large variety of images from the continent of Africa. Some of the cultural influences are Zulu, Yoruba, Ibo, Akan, and places like Benin, Togo, Congo, etc. I love that. The only issue that I have with the deck is that it did not come with a more detailed explanation of the people, Archetypes, symbols, and mythologies. It would have been not only more helpful to connect with the images, but also a facinating and informative read. I feel pretty informed about my heritage as an African American and and African decendent. I am pretty familiar with a broad range of African Spiritual Traditions but I will now have to do even more research on some of the images in order to draw out the full meaning of the card. Nevertheless, I am pretty happy with the deck.
For other decks featuring African images also try Afro Brazillian deck, and the Tarot of the Ages. Motherpeace and Daughters of the Moon decks are womens decks that include black people.
