Mankala-spelbord - Mankala - Songye - DR Congo

Mankala Game Board.
DR Congo.

The Songye tribe, located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is renowned for its Mankala game boards, which are not only functional objects but also pieces of art. These boards, intricately carved from wood, feature multiple rows of cup-shaped depressions used for playing Mankala, a traditional African strategy game. The designs often include elaborate patterns, symbolic carvings and in this case anthropomorphic features that reflect the cultural and artistic heritage of the Songye people. Mankala game boards serve both as entertainment and as a means of social interaction, reinforcing community bonds and cultural continuity. They exemplify the Songye's exceptional craftsmanship and their ability to blend functionality with artistic expression.

Provenance:
Belgian private collection

Object type: game board
Tribe: Songye
Material: wood
Height: 43 cm

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