Gameboard – Wood – Mancala – Songye – Congo

Ancient wooden Mancala, gameboard from the Songye people of DR Congo.
The gameboards range from everyday objects with monumental, simple forms to ornate pieces bringing status to the owner. They all show the creativity and power Africans put into functional objects. The gameboard has a typical Songye double face handgrip. Good condition with traces of wear and tear. Great aged patina.

Provenance: Justin Barthels (1934-2021), gallery owner Maastricht. Ex owner of a Salampasu mask DR Congo Estimated 60.000 – 90.000 USD by Sotheby`s. Source: (https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2012/africanoceanic-n08858/lot.189.html)