Sub Saharan Africa, ca. 1917. An attractive game board made from a single wood panel and painted with stylized zigzag motifs embellishing the border. On the verso are the initials of two individuals followed by dates - "EW 1918" and "NW 1917" - thought to represent brothers who presumably traded the board back and forth. In addition to the attractive russet zigzag border surrounding the black and white squares, there is a large knot over one of the black squares that imbues the piece with further charm. This board was most likely used to play a game that originated in sub Saharan Africa known as "damie". A wonderful game board that comes with a custom metal mount for display. Size: 16.125" L x 15.375" W (41 cm x 39.1 cm)

Provenance: J Compton Gallery, Wimberley, Texas, USA

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#167209

Expected age wear to peripheries and corners. Surface wear with scuffs to the painted surface and scratches on the verso. Verso is also inscribed with the initials of two brothers who presumably traded the board back and forth - along with dates - "EW 1918" and "NW 1917".