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Stone Mancala boards have been found carved into the roofs of temples in Memphis, Thebes and Luxor - the game was definitely being played in Egypt before 1400BC. It appears that the game might have evolved in Egypt from boards and counters which were used for accounting and stock taking; evidence for such record keeping boards having been found in even more Ancient Sumeria as well as Ancient Egypt.
Mancala variations are played all over Africa, the two rank Mancala board generally being found north of the equator, the four rank boards, South of the Equator. They also are to be found throughout the Caribbean and on the East Coast of South America having emigrated with by slaves during the colonial expansion era. There are also versions in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia ("congkak", pronounced Chon-ka) and the Philippines.
Mancala is played by literally hundreds of tribes throughout Africa, most of whom play their own slightly different variation and have their own special name for it. In fact, to exemplify the difficulty in delving into this subject, here are some variants of the name 'Wari':
Wari, Warri, Ware, Walle, Awari, Aware, Awaoley, Awele, Oware, Owari, Wouri
To confuse things further, some names of Mancala games are generic referring to all Mancala games in a particular region rather than a particular variant. Generic names include Bao, Soro (Choro or Solo), Mangola, Gabata, Mulabalaba, Ayo and Sadeqa. Of course these can refer to specific variants, too.
The two best know Mancala games are Ayo from Nigeria and Wari which is played without much variation across West Africa and much of the Caribbean.
There are several main ways that Mancala games differ from one another. Most obviously the number of rows on the board differentiates Mancala games into three sorts - two rank, three rank and four rank Mancala.
A second important differentiate is whether the game is single lap, multiple lap or has "Indian-style" laps. In single lap games, a go consists of the seeds from one hole being picked up and placed in subsequent holes. In multiple lap games, if the last seed placed is in a hole already containing one or more seeds, the contents of this hole are then picked up and the seeds distributed in the same way again. A player's turn only comes to an end when the last seed of a 'lap' ends up in an empty hole. Indian style laps are multiple laps but at the end of each lap, the seeds from the hole following the hole in which the last laps' final seed was placed are taken for the next lap. The turn finishes when the hole following the hole in which lap's final seed was placed is empty.
An example of Indian-style laps is the Indian game Pallanguzhi, also sometimes spelt Pallanguli.
The Sri Lankans play a game called "Olinda Kaliya" which uses Indian Style laps. The characteristic seeds used for the game, bright scarlet with black tips, are from this Olinda bush. A typical Olinda Kaliya board belonging to the author is shown below.To the right is an Olinda bush observed in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.Bottom right is a Sri Lankan table pictured in the reception of the Kandalama Hotel, Sri Lanka. It is made from Mahogany and is designed in the form of an Olinda Kaliya board. The author is now the proud owner of this table - and the larger than life playing seeds that go with it. |
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Make your own Mancala board from 2 egg boxes
The rules for Oware and a quite complex version of Bao can be obtained from Masters Traditional Games.
Congklak - traditional game of Indonesia from an ex-pat
Some Bao rules from The Games Cabinet
African Games and Links from Edward Brisse
Mancala Boards of the British Museum by Patty A. Hardy - great pictures!
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Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries had its humble beginnings as an idea of a few artisans and craftsmen who enjoy performing with live steel fighting. As well as a patchwork quilt tent canvas. Most had prior military experience hence the name.
Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries.
Vendertainers that brought many things to a show and are know for helping out where ever they can.
As well as being a place where the older hand made items could be found made by them and enjoyed by all.
We expanded over the years to become well known at what we do. Now we represent over 100 artisans and craftsman that are well known in their venues and some just starting out. Some of their works have been premiered in TV, stage and movies on a regular basis.
Specializing in Medieval, Goth , Stage Film, BDFSM and Practitioner.
Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries a Dept of, Ask For IT was started by artists and former military veterans, and sword fighters, representing over 100 artisans, one who made his living traveling from fair to festival vending medieval wares. The majority of his customers are re-enactors, SCAdians and the like, looking to build their kit with period clothing, feast gear, adornments, etc.
Likewise, it is typical for these history-lovers to peruse the tent (aka mobile store front) and, upon finding something that pleases the eye, ask "Is this period?"
A deceitful query!! This is not a yes or no question. One must have a damn good understanding of European history (at least) from the fall of Rome to the mid-1600's to properly answer. Taking into account, also, the culture in which the querent is dressed is vitally important. You see, though it may be well within medieval period, it would be strange to see a Viking wearing a Caftan...or is it?
After a festival's time of answering weighty questions such as these, I'd sleep like a log! Only a mad man could possibly remember the place and time for each piece of kitchen ware, weaponry, cloth, and chain within a span of 1,000 years!! Surely there must be an easier way, a place where he could post all this knowledge...
Traveling Within The World is meant to be such a place. A place for all of these artists to keep in touch and directly interact with their fellow geeks and re-enactment hobbyists, their clientele.
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