Antique Dan Mancala Game Board from Ivory Coast/Côte d’Ivoire

Mancala is the term for a popular “count and capture” game played throughout Africa. Two players sit opposite each other on the long sides of the Mancala board. The object is to fill ‘their’ holes with playing stones (nuts, seeds, etc.). The cups of the opponent must be jumped over with one’s own playing stones. The player can take the opponent’s stones over which they have jumped. At the end, the winner is the one who has taken all the opponent’s stones. 

This hand carved wooden piece is from the Dan Peoples. It has twelve holes, six on each of the long sides and stands on four feet with serrated edges and carved geometric lines on the exterior. There is a carved female head on the top end of the board with an open ‘cup’ on the other for the captured playing stones.

This would make for a great horizontal sculptural piece in a variety of interior environments from Mid-Century Modern, Japandi, Organic, Eclectic or 1970's Revival.  setting. 

Place of Origin: Liberia/Ivory Coast/Côte d’Ivoire

Date of Manufacture: early/mid-20th Century

Condition: Excellent

Wear: Consistent with age and use, please refer to picture.

Dimensions: 32 in L X 7 in W X 6 in. H

Reference: Agnes Art Centre at Queens University, High Museum of Art