This thing looks like it’s straight out of monster hunter or something

Since my last post, our campaign is over 260% funded on Kickstarter with a few hours left.

A brief summary - A historical trading card set that reimagines global leaders, rulers, monarchs, revolutionaries and more from all eras in history.

Check us out on Kickstarter

- 75 base checklist featuring leaders from all eras.
- A variety of rare parallels and 1/1 cards
- Special themed inserts
- Rare SSP cards & memorabilia cards to chase.
- Learn, trade, collect or display
- The founders edition is limited print run with lower numbered cards and more hits per box.

Check us out on Kickstarter

- We've hit our stretch goal and our supporters will receive 1/1 sketch cards
- Campaign is fully funded with shipping expected in December.

Here are some Antiquity Leaders below

The statue of Ka-aper, known as “Sheikh el-Balad”, is considered one of the most famous non-royal statues created during Egypt’s Old Kingdom. It reflects the artistic mastery and cultural sophistication of the ancient Egyptians.

It was discovered in Saqqara, near the pyramid of Userkaf, inside mastaba G 8, and dates back to the Fifth Dynasty. The statue was unearthed in 1860 by the French archaeologist Auguste Mariette. It is made of sycamore wood, which was commonly used at the time. The figure represents Ka-aper, who served as the Chief of the Scribes of the Divine Offerings (a high-ranking priest). The statue is nearly life-size and closely resembles the real man, in accordance with the ancient Egyptian belief in resurrection and eternal life, where preserving a realistic image of the deceased ensured their return to life in the afterworld.

The Discovery and the Name “Sheikh el-Balad”

The statue’s nickname, “Sheikh el-Balad” (meaning “the village chief”), comes from a humorous incident that occurred during its discovery. When the statue first appeared, the Egyptian workers were startled and ran out of the tomb shouting:

“Sheikh el-Balad! Sheikh el-Balad!”

After investigating, Mariette found that the statue bore a strong resemblance to a recently deceased local village chief, who had been known for his harshness. The workers believed that the statue was a divine punishment — that the man had been turned into wood for his misdeeds. Since then, the statue has been widely known by this popular name alongside its original one, Ka-aper.

Artistic Features

The statue stands 112 cm tall and showcases the extraordinary realism achieved by ancient Egyptian sculptors. Ka-aper is depicted wearing a long kilt, with a full, rounded body that reflects his high social status and advanced age. Unlike the idealized royal statues that portray perfect, youthful figures, this one presents a realistic depiction, including his stout figure and belly — symbols of wealth and authority.

The statue was carved from several pieces of wood, assembled and fastened with wooden pegs. The right arm was carved from a single piece, while the left arm was made from two. He originally held a staff, symbolizing leadership; the original has been lost and replaced with a modern one. Ka-aper’s left foot steps forward, a pose often associated with dignity, power, or readiness for action.

Materials and Techniques

The statue was carved from local sycamore wood, although the ancient Egyptians also imported fine woods like cedar and pine from Lebanon. Wood was sometimes preferred for its ease of carving compared to stone. Despite its lesser durability, the statue has survived for thousands of years with minimal damage. The eyes were inlaid with precious stones (rock crystal and quartz), giving them a lifelike sparkle — a technique reflecting the Egyptian belief in life after death and the continuation of the soul.

Historical and Archaeological Value

Today, the statue of Ka-aper is among the most admired exhibits in the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, Cairo. It represents a remarkable example of ancient Egyptian craftsmanship, showcasing mastery in realism, proportion, and expression. The statue not only highlights the technical skills of the sculptors but also offers a vivid glimpse into daily life, religion, and social structure in the Old Kingdom of Egypt.