Gaming board "ma kpon" ·  Côte d'Ivoire, Dan · ID: 3052095

Description

wood, kaolin, waxed or oiled surface, collection label “64”

The most valuable specimens are crowned by a carved ram’s head or, as here, a human head. The sides are decorated with incised animal motifs, in this case crocodiles and fish.

The African board game, which is called “ma kpon” by the Dan, is played across the continent, where it is known by various names. Versions of the game date back to the 7th century, and there is evidence that it already existed in ancient Egypt.