India, cigarette card, 1915 (colour litho)

The supply of cigarettes and tobacco to troops during World War I was considered an essential morale booster and General Pershing stated that a cigarette played a role as important as ammunition by helping soldiers to endure the tedium of war, steady nerves and calm the wounded. These unusually vivacious cards would have provided additional cheer. Indian Nautch Dancer; Nautch dancing is an intricate traditional dance in India usually performed by professional dancing girls; from a series of 'Dancing Girls' of the World, produced as cigarette cards by W.D. & H.O. Wills 'Scissors' cigarettes;