'Oware' board from the Yoruba of Nigeria

This wooden 'oware' board from Nigeria in West Africa is used to play possibly one of the oldest board games in the world. Ancient examples of 'oware' have been found in the Sahara and it may have originated in Egypt. 'Oware' is for two players and develops mathematical skills and quick thinking as they move beads or pebbles from space to space. A version of 'oware', known as 'mancala', is still widely played today.

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Accession number: Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives, Ea9827

Themes
Africa before Transatlantic Enslavement