By the early 18th century, images of black men and women had become quite common on trade signs hanging outside shops and inns and on business cards. Portraits were known as 'Blackamoors' heads'. This example is typical of the genre. Images of black people were particularly associated with luxury imports from abroad, such as tea, coffee and chocolate, which are mentioned on this card. Tobacco and sugar, which were planted and harvested by African slaves forced to labour in Britain's American colonies and in the West Indian plantations established by Europeans, also often feature on similar cards.