Some of the Africans we have worked with said that a well-told story does not need a picture. This is good in terms of cost, but it requires storyers who are more skillful and motivated. We get around the cost issue by using a picture pool in which several storyers have access to one set. They would have to stagger their use to prevent conflict or use them of different days, etc. This has been done in West Africa, among New Tribes users in Thailand, and some users in the Philippines.
Flat pictures have a limited life span in constant use in rural environments.
Unless printed on card stock, pictures begin to tear along the edges and will get holes in constant use. Unless laminated to protect pictures from insects and moisture they will quickly become soiled from handling. Lamination adds to the cost and weight and can make certain types of display more difficult. Also laminated pictures that are tolled up or bent are very difficult to straighten out. The lamination does more than triple their life span, though.