Mancala Game Board — Songye, DR Congo — Wood — 50 × 25 × 9 cm Origin: Songye people, DR Congo Material: Wood Dimensions: 50 × 25 × 9 cm Provenance: French private collection A magnificent Songye mancala board, remarkable for both its sculptural quality and its superb surface patina. Carved from a single block of wood, the board features four parallel rows of seven pits, corresponding to one of the classical configurations of mancala (also known as awelé, omweso, or bao depending on the region). These boards, once widespread across Sub-Saharan Africa, were used in strategic games that held social and sometimes divinatory functions. What distinguishes this example is the finely carved anthropomorphic head surmounting the block — a feature strongly associated with Songye sculptural tradition, known for its statues (nkishi) and mask types with elongated features, powerful jaws, and crest-like coiffures. Here, the head is carved fully in the round, rising above the board like a guardian figure and adding a rare aesthetic and symbolic dimension. The entire piece rests on a central pedestal, giving the board a sculptural, almost altar-like presence. The wood displays an exceptional patina — deep, smooth, and glossy — the result of long handling and repeated use. Large game boards with carved figures are increasingly scarce on the market; Songye examples, even more so. This is a museum-quality piece, combining functionality, ritual resonance, and sculptural beauty. Highlights - Rare Songye mancala board with anthropomorphic head - Carved from a single block of wood - Exceptional, glossy patina indicative of prolonged use - Four rows of seven pits, classic central-African configuration - Strong sculptural presence with symbolic overtones - Mounted on a central stand, emphasizing balance and elegance - From a French private collection