Lecture:
“MANCALA, the Game from the Neolitihic”
Lecturer: Ivana Vojt, art historian, The Museum of African Art in Belgrade
Tuesday, October 22nd at 6 p.m. SKC Gallery - New Belgrade
Mancala is a cognitive board game based on logical and mathematical combinatorics played in different variations on four continents: in Africa, Asia, South and North America. However, it is only in Africa that that it is played across the whole continent. The origins of play are most often placed in the Neolithic, although certain researchers claim that play existed in the Mesolithic.
Ivana Vojt, art historian, curator and author of the exhibition Mancala, Game of Thought at the MAA (December 2012 – October 2013) will explain the different aspects of this specific game. At the end of the lecture, visitors will be able to learn the rules of mancala and become a part of the unique atmosphere the game creates.
You do not need any prior knowledge of the game in order to become a good “mancalist”. The rules are simple, however results are not easily achieved. Learning mancala develops calculation, strategic thinking and tactics. Also, playing mancala is a good opportunity to develop human communication, socialize and make new friends.
Participation is free and mancala boards will be provided by the Museum of African Art. If you want to have your own mancala board and keep it after visiting SKC Gallery New Belgrade, you will be able to purchase it for 2 000 dinars.
The "MANCALA, GAME OF THOUGHT” exhibition by Ivana Vojt has received the honorary Project of the Year Award given by The National Committee of ICOM (International Council of Museums) as the official international organization of museums and museum professionals founded within UNESCO.