This Dan game board from the Ivory Coast displays a wonderful, abstracted animal-like form. The board consists of twelve holds, six on each side. Two pots for the captured gaming stones of each opponent are featured at each end of the board. The board’s sides and legs are adorned with finely engraved striations.
The surface exhibits a lovely, dark chocolate patina. The soft, rounded edges of the board are testament to many years of use.
Ex Private Collection, Germany
Estimated Period: First Half of 20th Century
H (Incl. Stand): 74.5cm
'Mancala’ is a game for two players, which is widespread through all of Africa and in large areas of Asia. It is a counting and capturing game and comes originally from Ancient Egypt and Rome.
Reference
J. Miller, Kunstaus Afrika, Amerika & Ozeanien, pp. 71, 81
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