Diversity at Play: Mancala: Traditional African mathematical game.

Background/History

             Mancala is a traditional African board game which is played in various forms throughout African and other countries. There are hundreds of different versions of the game played. According to the literature, Mancala is a game that is enjoyed by everyone in Africa from royalty to villagers of all ages. The game has been a part of the culture and family traditions for many Africans. The game is played not only has a form of entertainment, but it has also been used as a ceremonial right of passage in some villages.

Reflection
              The concept on the game is to be the player with the most marbles or pieces in your bin or Kalama. Mancala is a two player game and the only thing needed to play the game is a Mancala board ( wooded board with carved out bins) and 48 playing pieces. What I found interesting is that in many African villages the children and even adults play the game by digging small holes in the ground and they use small rocks or pebbles as playing pieces. It was very moving to see how these children used any materials they have to enjoy a game that is so tied to their cultural history. Seeing the images below sparked my curiosity to find out how the American version of the game is being sold in the U.S. I found out that in places like WalMart and ToysRus the game is sold for 10-12 dollars. I personally thought that to be interesting and a bit unjust for the children who can't afford to make or buy the game board and instead use their imaginations to play the game, while in the U.S big game company's are making money of the "Mancala game" that is really very different from the culturally traditional version played in Africa.