The History of Mancala

Mancala is a generic name used to refer to a general class of “count and capture” games. The term Mancala comes from the Arabic word naqala, meaning “to move.” Evidence of Mancala games has been found in Aksumite Ethiopia in Matara (now in Eritrea) and Yeha (in Ethiopia), dating back to between CE 500 and 700. Since it can be played on a dirt surface using holes and seeds, it’s thought that the game may date even further back, but no lasting evidence of this has survived. Some sources also note that evidence of this type of game has been found carved into Egyptian temple ruins dating from 1400 B.C.E. There is no question that it is a very ancient game and that it has its origins in Africa. In fact, many distinct versions of the game have long been played throughout Africa. Each version has its own name, such as Wari, Warri, Awari, Oware, and Wouri. The game later spread from Africa to the Baltic region but didn’t catch on throughout Western Europe. Mancala also traveled from the Arab world to India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and China through trade and cultural spread. Mancala games came to North America with the slave trade, as enslaved people brought their cultural practices — including games — with them. Mancala was introduced to parts of South America and the Caribbean in the same way. Warra became especially popular in Louisiana and turned into the commercial game, Kalah, which remains immensely popular today. The Cape Verdean version, Ouril, was introduced to New England by immigrants. Today, there are over 80 Mancala games played in various parts of the world; the most popular include Kalah, Bao, Oware, Omweso, and Pallanguzhi.