From Africa to Oyster57: The Story Behind Our Mancala-Inspired Creation
At Oyster57, inspiration is everywhere. We travel the world with open eyes and an open heart, always looking for beauty, tradition, and craftsmanship. During a recent journey through South Africa, we stumbled upon a traditional market where something instantly caught our attention—a handmade version of the ancient game Mancala.
Naturally, we couldn’t resist creating our very own Oyster57 interpretation.
Did you know that Mancala is one of the oldest known games in the world?
One particularly captivating variant is Bao, a traditional East African version of Mancala. Played across regions such as Zanzibar, Tanzania, Kenya, and Malawi (where it’s called Bawo), Bao is known for its small pits and colorful beads. The name Bao means “board” in Swahili. On the island of Madagascar, the game is also known as Sakalava. Each region has its own variation—with unique rules and levels of complexity—making Mancala not just a game, but a living cultural tradition.
Mancala games are thought to date back as far as 400 AD. Its earliest form is believed to have originated in Egypt, from where it spread across Africa and parts of Asia. Over time, countless versions have evolved, each carrying its own local flavor and rhythm of play.