c. 1920 Ivory Coast Mancala Game Board, Carved Wood

$125.00
An evocative early 20th-century carved wooden mancala game board from the Ivory Coast, dating to before 1930. The board is sculpted as a raised, elongated form atop a substantial rectangular base, with the playing surface incorporating the characteristic recessed cavities used for the traditional game. Entirely hand-carved, the piece has developed a wonderful surface through decades of use, with extensive wear, softened edges, dents and abrasions, and a rich, naturally aged patina throughout. Beyond its function as a game board, the object has considerable sculptural presence. The pronounced wear is particularly appealing, reflecting its history of handling and use rather than later artificial aging. Such early African game boards are increasingly appreciated both as ethnographic objects and as examples of traditional African woodcarving, with their forms often occupying the space between utilitarian object and sculpture. Origin: Ivory Coast, West Africa Date: Before 1930 Material: Carved wood Dimensions: 5" x 6" x 18" Condition: Extensive age-appropriate wear and patination consistent with prolonged use; please see photographs for condition details. Please see other antiques here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP?ref=shop_sugg§ion_id=6783279 Or just browse around the shop! http://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP
An evocative early 20th-century carved wooden mancala game board from the Ivory Coast, dating to before 1930. The board is sculpted as a raised, elongated form atop a substantial rectangular base, with the playing surface incorporating the characteristic recessed cavities used for the traditional game. Entirely hand-carved, the piece has developed a wonderful surface through decades of use, with extensive wear, softened edges, dents and abrasions, and a rich, naturally aged patina throughout. Beyond its function as a game board, the object has considerable sculptural presence. The pronounced wear is particularly appealing, reflecting its history of handling and use rather than later artificial aging. Such early African game boards are increasingly appreciated both as ethnographic objects and as examples of traditional African woodcarving, with their forms often occupying the space between utilitarian object and sculpture. Origin: Ivory Coast, West Africa Date: Before 1930 Material: Carved wood Dimensions: 5" x 6" x 18" Condition: Extensive age-appropriate wear and patination consistent with prolonged use; please see photographs for condition details. Please see other antiques here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP?ref=shop_sugg§ion_id=6783279 Or just browse around the shop! http://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP