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Product ID: 226329

Authentic Hand Carved Wood African Oware Table Game, "Home"

A traditional village hut adorns the external lid of this oware foldable board... more

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Details

A traditional village hut adorns the external lid of this oware foldable board game. From Ghana's Ernestina Oppong Asante, the oware board is carved by hand of seasoned sese wood and the game is played with 48 white marbles.

Oware is a game of skill and strategy designed for two players, challenging mental agility and alertness. The objective can be briefly described as 'counting and capturing beads' and there are no chance factors in it. The player's strategy entirely depends upon the ability for reasoning and counting.

Oware is one of the oldest games in the world. The earliest records describing the game were found in Arab religious texts dating to the Middle Ages, believing the game originated in the Middle East and spread from there to Africa, then to Asia with Arab traders, and to the Caribbean around 1640 via the African slave trade. Other experts place its origins in Central Africa; the Masai people state that oware was invented by Sindillo, the son of the first man, Maitoumbe, and was originally called "geshe."

In Arab countries, the most common name for this game is "mancala" (Arabic word meaning "to move"). In some West African countries the depressions in the board are referred to as "warri" or "wwari," which means houses, thus the name "owari." In Nigeria it is known as "adi," which is also the name of the seeds used to play it; and in South Africa it is called "ohoro." With different and exotic names such as "congklak," "dakon," "aggalacang" and "nogarata," it has also been played in Asia long before the Portuguese rounded the southern tip of Africa.

Today, oware represents the diversity of Africa, as some version of it is played in nearly every country on the continent. Legend relates that Shyaam aMbul aNgoong, founder of the Kuba kingdom of Central Africa, taught the game to his people to encourage foresight and calculation.

Having transcended the passing of the centuries, oware has been enjoyed as a family game, a ceremonial right of passage, or as a form of recreation among friends. It would be hard to find a greater challenge of mathematics, or a more attractive one.

  • 0.79 kgs
  • 1.7 lbs
  • Closed: 29 cm H x 20 cm W x 4.5 cm D
  • Closed: 11.5" H x 7.75" W x 1.8" D
  • Open: 58.7 cm H x 20 cm W x 4 cm D
  • Open: 23" H x 7.75" W x 1.6" D

  • Sese wood, plastic marbles
  • Hand-crafted item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly
  • Warning: Choking Hazard. Small parts -- not for children under 3 years.
  • Made in Ghana.
  • Certified and shipped by our office in Ghanaicon info
Gift Info

Customer Reviews

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Artist rating

Total reviews

33

Toni

Verified Reviewer

08/17/2022

"Wall Decor"

I love this picture. It looks beautiful in my frame.

Best Uses

  • Wall decor

Purchased Item:

Ama II, Handmade Threadwork Art of Young African Girl with Bowl

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Rich from Delaware

From Delaware, USA

Verified Reviewer

07/27/2022

"Beautiful Art"

Carefully executed. Brilliant colors.A great gift

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Gift Occasion:
  • This was a gift for: Neice
  • Occasion: 'just because'

Linda

Verified Reviewer

07/07/2022

"Ghana Musician"

Beautiful unique piece. Very happy w/it

Purchased Item:

Guitar Player, Handcrafted African Threadwork Art with Music Theme

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Sonia

Verified Reviewer

10/30/2021

"Beautiful large mask"

This is a gorgeous piece. I didnt realize it was so big. It is a great addition to my decor.

Purchased Item:

Akan Afterlife, African Wood Mask

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Nii

Verified Reviewer

07/18/2021

"Oware"

I am proposing to myself, Love,do I feel like a game of Oware?I do...

Purchased Item:

Crested Oware, African Sese Wood Oware Board Game from Ghana

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Sharon

From Hagerstown, Maryland

Verified Reviewer

04/28/2021

"Fine work of art- 5star"

I bought this along with 3 other drums. Each is beautifully made and finished. Highly recommend.

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Your Purchase Makes a Difference!

Enabling Education

Enabling Education

Ernestina supports and provides for her grandchildren's education.

Microcredit Financing

Microcredit Financing

Ernestina Oppong Asante has received 9 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $1600 and the most recent for $800. Proceeds were used to invest in the purchase of wood and paints, as well as leather for the drums.

Preserving Traditions

Preserving Traditions

This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive.

Empowering Women

Empowering Women

The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women.

Profound Impact

Profound Impact

Every purchase from this artist has a profound impact on their livelihood and income.

 
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