Many people play (and have played) mancala in Jordan. Although this game is often associated with Africa and Asia (where it is also called oware or bao), in this country it is also a deeply rooted tradition, as we explain in this post: we not only show you its basic dynamics but also give you some details that will surely pique your curiosity during your trip.
Insights into Mancala
Mancala is one of the oldest board games in the world. It is difficult to establish its origin or the oldest evidence of its play, but some researchers believe that the first appearance of its board was found at the Neolithic site of Ain Ghazal, precisely near Amman, some 6,000 years BCE. Later archaeological finds appear in Judea and Eritrea, and the first specific mentions in Arab books from our Middle Ages.
The board is easily recognizable because it has two or more lines of holes or receptacles, into which pieces (seeds or stones in ancient times) are placed. It is played in pairs, one-on-one, and the objective is to ‘steal’ pieces from the opponent on each turn through a series of simple moves.
Mancala in Petra
Carved into the rock, very close to Petra’s Siq, multiple examples of mancala boards have been found, unmistakable due to their regular and symmetrical arrangement on a horizontal plane, which suggests that this game was already common among the Nabataeans at the turn of the era. In fact, the first modern discoveries, dating back to 1928, sparked great interest among researchers in these traditional games.
Let us remember that Petra was an important transit point on the main trade routes of antiquity, which may have facilitated the arrival (or return) of this game from East Asia and Africa. For some historians, it is a fascinating demonstration that in those centuries there was also time for fun, and that this entertainment did not differ much from what we practice today.
An entertainment that, unconsciously, went further and allowed players to develop other intrinsic skills to the game, such as abstract thinking, the ability to strategize, the development of patience, and accepting defeat. All these skills undoubtedly contribute to personal growth and, ultimately, to the progress of society.
The Enduring Presence of Mancala in Jordan
As we say, mancala has a strong presence in Jordan. It is difficult to know if it survived from Nabataean times or if it was reintroduced with the Arab conquest (something probable, considering that civilization’s ability to disseminate and adapt cultural elements from Asia, Africa, and Europe).
But the truth is that in some parts of Jordan, it remains a very popular game. Especially in two cities near Amman: As Salt and Zarqa, curiously not far from where some experts place the birth of mancala. In both, this game is considered a true hallmark, in the modality of 14 receptacles (7 per row) and 49 pieces.
Although they are not particularly touristy cities and are not usually part of country tours, those who have the opportunity to walk their streets often see gatherings of men around a table and a board with pieces, a clear sign that they are playing mancala.
Furthermore, tournaments are organized in these cities, where even variants of the classic game are admitted, adding more players to turn it into a competition between two different teams.
