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Mancala is an ancient style of regional strategy games found all over the world. From Southeast Asia to Europe to West Africa, almost every continent has its own cultural interpretation of Mancala. If you’ve ever played it, it’s easy to see the appeal: it’s simple, challenging, and downright addicting.

The origins of Mancala are still debated by historians, but archeological evidence dates the oldest form of the game to Jordan around 6000 BCE. While the exact rules and even names of the game vary from culture to culture, the basic premise lies in a board carved with rows of holes. Playing pieces, varying from cowrie shells to marbles and even to coins and beans, are distributed into the holes. Players control one side of the board, and strategize moves against each other to capture the most pieces.

Abdoulaye is holding a beautiful Mancala board from the Ivory Coast, hand-carved by the Senufo. The top of the crocodile lifts up to reveal the traditional rows of delicate depressions occupied by playing pieces - in this case, clay seeds. To browse our current selection of Mancala boards, stop by Voodoo Authentica of New Orleans at 612 rue Dumaine, or call us at 504.522.2111. We'd love to help you find the perfect piece!