Hand Carved Unique Mancala Board Game, African Fine Art

Bao is an abstract strategy game from East Africa, especially Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania. It is generally reckoned to be the most complicated of the Mancala family games that are played in many parts of Africa. On a Bao board has 32 ports each player has two rows of holes, into which counters (seeds) are placed. Moves are made by taking more than one seed and ‘sowing’ them along the row of holes. Depending on where the last seed is placed, you can take the seeds from that hole and continue the sowing, possibly capturing seeds from your opponent in the process. The aim of the game is to empty your opponent’s front row of seeds or make it impossible for him to move.

The board, made from finely aged wood, is adorned with a carved female head figure at one end, a beautiful representation of the region’s artistic traditions. On the opposite end, a carved male head is integrated into the design, adding both elegance and practicality. Challenge your friends and family to a game of strategy and skill with this one-of-a-kind piece. It is sure to be a conversation starter and a valuable addition to any collection.

Measurements are 33.5 inches by 15 inches