SLIDE 11 Gameboard, Dan, Liberia/Côte d'lvoire, 20th century

HOW WAS THIS OBJECT USED? WHAT PURPOSE DID IT SERVE? Not all African decorative objects have ritual purposes; some are everyday objects. This is a makpon game board. Makpon is a traditional game played throughout Africa, but it is now also popular in other parts of the world, including the United States. It is played by moving game pieces from one cup to the next until someone moves all their pieces off the board. Intricately carved makpon boards such as this example demonstrate the wealth of their owner. Sometimes the carved head is a generic representation of the game's owner and/or a representation of the Dan's ideal of feminine beauty. PART 2-PAGE 8 OF 9

Introduction | Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Slide List | Museum Visit