Description:

Hand-carved African wooden mancala boards, traditionally known by regional names like Oware in Ghana or Ayò Olópón in Nigeria, serve as both functional mind-sharpening strategy games and stunning pieces of cultural folk art. Often carved by village artisans from durable native timbers like Osese, Iroko, or Sapele wood, these boards frequently feature folding designs that double as self-contained carrying cases adorned with intricate motifs like tribal masks, elephants, or geometric patterns. High-value antique boards are carved from dense, heavy indigenous hardwoods like Iroko (African Teak). The presence of a rich, dark patina built up from decades of natural hand oils and handling drastically elevates price. Antique Original Hand Carved Tribal African Wood Mancala Game Board w/ Animal Head 28" Long valueAn authentic, antique hand-carved tribal African wood Mancala game board (approx. 28" long) featuring a carved animal head holds an estimated market value between $150 and $350 for standard mid-20th-century ethnographic pieces. If the board is a verified 19th-century or early 20th-century tribal artifact with documented collection history or museum provenance, the valuation can easily reach $600 to $1,200+ at specialized African art auctions. Please ask specific questions on details, condition, and shipping prior to bidding, ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD AS IS, and the bidder will be responsible for payment. We box and ship what we can to keep costs low, and use USPS and UPS. Large items, extremely fragile, and high value items will be packed by UPS. Quotes available on request

  • Dimensions: 28" long x 4.75" wide x 4.5" tall
  • Condition: Good - Very Good Condition

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Shipping

Auction House will ship Worldwide, at Buyer's Expense. PLEASE CONTACT PRIOR TO BIDDING IF YOU WOULD LIKE A SHIPPING QUOTE!! Allow a 24 hour period for quotes. Shipping quotes are figured before invoices are sent out. Multiple shipping companies (USPS, UPS, Fedex, Greyhound, etc.) will be looked into for the best rate. Large paintings and other large items may be packed by a third party.

July 13, 2026 5:00 PM EDT
Canandaigua, NY, US

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $49 $5
$50 $99 $5
$100 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $9,999 $250
$10,000 + $500