Let’s Play Mancala

What’s your strategy to win at Mancala? Give this ancient Ghanaian game a contemporary twist! Make your own set with Crayola® Model Magic.

• 1.

  Mancala is an ancient African game, often played with beans or beads. Did you know that it is considered to be the world’s oldest game? Historians believe it started in Ghana, where the game is called Wari. Years ago, rich families had Mancala boards made of carved ivory covered with gold. Variations of Mancala are played around the world.

• 2.

  Mancala is so popular because players use strategy and counting. Find out how to play and then create a game for yourself. This version is made with paper cups instead of ivory, but the rules are still the same!

• 3.

  Cover your art area with recycled newspaper. Form Crayola Model Magic into 48 pebble-like shapes, making 24 in each of two colors. Use the Model Magic primary colors or create your own hues. Just rub color from a Crayola Washable Marker into white modeling compound and knead. Continue adding color to get the shade you want. To give your pebbles more weight and texture, mix in colored sand. Air-dry the pebbles overnight.

• 4.

  Use Crayola Scissors to cut off the tops of 14 small paper cups. Use your imagination and Crayola Tempera Paint and Paint Brushes to color each cup. Paint a shoe box lid, too. Air-dry thoroughly.

• 5.

  With Crayola School Glue, attach two rows of six painted cups to the box lid. Glue another cup to each end of the lid. These cups are known as kalahas.

• 6.

  To play, each player places four Model Magic pebbles in each of the six cups on her or his side. Let the games begin!

Benefits

• Students research the origins of Mancala and learn that historians believe mancala is the oldest game still being played today.
• Students research the rules for Mancala and find out why strategy is so important.
• Students create their own Mancala game board and pieces.

Adaptations

• Shape the entire game with Model Magic. After drying and painting, glaze it with equal parts of water and Crayola School Glue.
• Discover the many variations of Mancala. Make up your own variations.
• Set up after-school or recess Mancala tournaments.
• Find out what other ancient games are still played today. Where and when were they first played?