MANCALOMANIA IN BAČKA TOPOLA
Saturday, August 8th, 2015
In collaboration with the Museum of African Art in Belgrade, on August 8th 2015, a special programme dedicated to MANCALA game will be organized at the Museum of Bačka Topola, at the ORIGO OPEN FEST. Bačka Topola is thenth city where the Museum of African Art presents this well-known programme.
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. It is considered to be one of the oldest games in the world and there is evidence of it that goes back to the Neolithic.
To become a good “mancalist” no previous knowledge is necessary. The rules are simple however it is not easy to score. What is developed through mancala is quick calculation, strategic thinking and tactics. Also, playing mancala is a good opportunity to develop communicational skills, forge friendships and meet new people.
2 pm - 5 pm PROGRAMME FOR KIDS:
The MAA curators will show children how to play mancala. After learning the rules and playing the game, children will be instructed how to make a portable mancala out of egg boxes.
2 pm - 5 pm PROGRAMME FOR ADULTS:
Ivana Vojt, „Mancala, game of thought” (The Museum of African Art, 2012/2013) exhibition curator and catalogue author will give a lecture about the origine and significance of mancala board game and after it visitors will have the opportunity to learn and play mancala game themselves.