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Game board
Dan
20th century, 1950–2000
Object Place: Liberia or Cote d'Ivoire
Medium/Technique
Wood (with metal repairs)
Dimensions
Overall: 10 x 55.5 x 15.3 cm (3 15/16 x 21 7/8 x 6 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Geneviève McMillan in memory of Reba Stewart
Accession Number2009.2721
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsContemporary Art, Africa and Oceania
ClassificationsDecorative arts
Mankala is one of the oldest board games in the world. It is played in many forms, including hollows scooped out of the earth, using seeds, pebbles or shells for the pieces, or with a specially carved wooden board. This particular example, with its carved wooden form and worn surfaces appeal to minimalist aesthetics.
Inscriptionsin marker on underside of back foot: "GA2"
Provenance1971, sold by Reba Stewart, Monrovia, Liberia, to Geneviève McMillan (b. 1922 - d. 2008), Cambridge, MA; 2008, to the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation, Cambridge; 2009, gift of the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 17, 2009)