Lotería card, c. 1920. Artist unknown. Watercolor on paper: 8-3/4" x 9". Purchased with funds from Friends of Latin American Art.		1 of 5   Recreational
	LOTERIA CARD otería is a bingo game played on feast days and during regional fairs. Lotería cards are used throughout Latin America. The tradition of pictorial playing cards associated with chance came to Mexico during the colonial period. These lotería cards were probably made by a person who worked in the many regional fairs or weekly marketplaces throughout Mexico. Game operators travel from town to town persuading townspeople to take a chance and spend a little money to win big. La Sirena (mermaid) on this card is a popular image. She is usually seen as a temptress but may also be a symbol of abundance. An interesting aspect of the game is that most operators do not merely call out the image's name, but rather recite a little poem that describes it. This is the rhymed passage that accompanies La Sirena: La sirena en la mar cantaba luciendo so coton pinto; Yo a niguno le hago mal ni tampoco me les hinco, traigo versos "pa" cantar docientos sententa y cinco. The siren singing in the sea, Sporting her best frock; I do evil to no one, Nor do I bend the knee, I carry verses to sing Two hundred and seventy-five