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Africa

Game Board

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Object Details

Culture

Africa

Medium

Wood

Dimensions

27 inches (68.6 cm)

Credit Line

Gift of Dorothy Brill Robbins, Class of 1933

Object
Number

91.099.003

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONMancala is a type of game that goes by many names and is played in Africa and other(…)

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONMancala is a type of game that goes by many names and is played in Africa and other parts of the world. WHERE WAS IT MADE?This board was made in Africa, but its exact origins are unknown.HOW WAS IT MADE?An artist carved this board from a piece of wood, likely using tools such as an adze, knives, and chisels.HOW WAS IT USED?This was used to play mancala, a popular game in Africa and other parts of the world. Seeds or stones are placed in the holes and “captured” by the opponents. In the Dogon culture the game is symbolic of their creation story and the stones represent stars. The Dogon name for this game is koro. Although carved boards are popular, the game can also be played with holes dug in sand or dirt.

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Bodhisattva

Pakistan or Afghanistan, Gandhara

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