Major mistake in "Tarot - History, symbolism and divination" by Robert M. Place

Zephyros

This has been debated often enough and almost always comes down to 78 cards (almost always on paper/card stock) grouped as sets of: 22+4(10+4). However, another indication are the objects that are generally referred to on Aeclectic Forum under the topic Tarot.

A selection of objects or concepts with some archetypal similarities to some Tarot motifs but no direct connection to the cards is not Tarot.

I agree, there is always a cut-off point where one can say that something "started." The walls at Lascaux (sp?) are not an early form of internet nor are they covered with emojis.