The Bao is a Swahili term: it refers to a board game with seeds of the Mancala family, a combinatory strategy board game of the “count and capture” the pawns type, which are generally seeds. These are often played on the ground. It would have been imported in Africa from the east, it then became central with the Arab merchants and would originate from Ethiopia. Its most famous name is Awale in west Africa. Some have two rows of holes, and others four, like this item. The rules differ. Beautiful item topped by a head which serves as a grip. Hard and dense wood. Dry patina of wear. Former family collection.