Antique Wooden Game

Dimensions: 45cm long, 13cm wide, 7cm high.
Code: WOOD 0921

This wooden Palankuli (game) was hand-carved in the central state of Andhra Pradesh in the late 19th century. Pallanghuzi or Pallankuli in Tamil, is a traditional ancient mancala game played across South India. The 14 pits would contain cowry shells, tamarind seeds or small pebbles as counters. The objective is usually to capture all or some of the opponent's pieces. Versions of the game date back to the 7th century and evidence suggests the game existed in Ancient Egypt. It is among the oldest known games to still be widely played today. The wooden board has 14 smooth cups, and two large rectangular cups at either end for the captured pieces. It stands on raised feet and the border is carved into decorative repeating crosses and grid designs. The central band between the cups is also carved with a chain link design. This game would also be lovely to use as a table centrepiece decorated with candles and flowers.