This Fair Trade, hand crafted coffee table and game represents two things. It represents the artistry and utility that these skilled workers are able to produce and it reflects two of their national pastimes: Morabaraba and Bao.

Bao is a tradition count and capture game in Africa. The heavy ebony wood is cut and carved by hand on one side to create pits and designs which reflect local life and scenery. The game pieces are local seeds or beeds. The object in this two player strategy game commonly called Mancala is to capture your opponents pieces by landing in his pits.

Flip the board and you have Morabaraba. Morabaraba is a sort of a Nine Men’s Morris, only we would call their Morabaraba, Twelve Men’s Morris. The object is to remove your opponents pieces by jumping them. Two very simple but clever strategy games that reflect social culture in Malawi.

The piece is not only practical it is truly elegant. The wood is polished and smooth, the artwork is crystal clear and the finished product is truly unique.

If your looking for that talking piece to beat all talking pieces in your living room this may be it.

David Trounce

Games from Everywhere

Classic. Clever. Beautiful.

NSW, Australia.