# 2011 Magic: The Gathering Commander 2011 #169

> The 2011 Magic: The Gathering Commander release features Sakura-Tribe Elder as card number 169, offering a foundational land-searching ability for green-based decks.

Canonical URL: https://supercatch.com/product/magic-the-gathering-commander-2011-sakura-tribe-elder-169

## Identity

- **Year**: 2011
- **Brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set**: Commander 2011
- **Card Number**: 169
- **Featured**: Sakura-Tribe Elder
- **Game**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Rarity**: Common
- **Mana cost**: {1}{G}
- **Type**: Creature — Snake Shaman
- **Power / Toughness**: 1 / 1
- **Color**: G
- **Language**: English
- **Material**: Card Stock
- **Finish**: Normal

## Description

Sakura-Tribe Elder, released as card number 169 in the 2011 Commander set, occupies a unique space in the Magic: The Gathering trading card game as a foundational green resource card. Designed by Carl Critchlow, this Common rarity creature introduces players to the strategic depth of the Commander format with a straightforward yet powerful effect that has endured through years of play.

As a Snake Shaman, the card costs just one green mana to cast, making it an early-game staple for players building decks around green mana acceleration. The core ability allows you to sacrifice the creature to search your library for a basic land card, put that card onto the battlefield tapped, and then shuffle your library. This function provides immediate card advantage and mana fixing, helping players establish their board presence faster than standard plays would allow.

Collectors of Magic: The Gathering often seek out cards from the Commander set due to the format's massive popularity and the distinct identity each release brings to the hobby. Sakura-Tribe Elder represents the accessible, player-friendly design philosophy of the 2011 Commander product, which aimed to introduce new players to the multiplayer experience while providing seasoned veterans with powerful, yet legally compliant, staples.

The flavor text behind Sakura-Tribe Elder adds narrative weight, referencing a cultural practice where slain warriors are buried with a tree sapling to become part of the forest. This thematic element connects the mechanical function of land acceleration to the lore of the Sakura-Tribe, creating a cohesive experience for fans who appreciate both the strategic and storytelling aspects of the game. Whether you are looking to complete a set of Commander cards or simply want to understand the history of green mana acceleration, this card serves as an essential reference point for any Magic: The Gathering enthusiast.

## FAQ

### What is the primary effect of Sakura-Tribe Elder?

Sakura-Tribe Elder allows you to sacrifice the creature to search your library for a basic land card, put it onto the battlefield tapped, and then shuffle your library. This provides immediate mana acceleration.

### What type of card is Sakura-Tribe Elder in Magic: The Gathering?

Sakura-Tribe Elder is a Creature — Snake Shaman card from the 2011 Commander set. It has a mana cost of one green mana and is printed with Common rarity.

### Who illustrated Sakura-Tribe Elder?

The artwork for Sakura-Tribe Elder was created by Carl Critchlow.

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Editorial content updated: 2026-09-25.

Site deployment: 2025-11-29.