Mancala is a generic name for a type of board game that is played around the world, particularly in African countries, the Caribbean, near and Middle East, and Indonesia. The word mancala comes from the Arabic word naqala, meaning "to move" and the games are sometimes described as count and capture play. Naqala is found in Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt but is not consistently applied to any one game.

There are over 20 variations of names for the board games. These include Warri, Walle, Awari, Awaoley, Awele, Ncho, Owari, Wouri, Soro, Mangola, Gabat, Mulabalaba, Ayo, Sadeqa, and Congklak. Although the rules vary, they all involve moving either stones or seeds around rows of pits that are either carved into a board, or that may simply be dug into the ground. The games are known to have been played for thousands of years. They are regarded as one of the oldest board games although it is hard to say exactly when and where they originated.

This Nigerian board is carved from wood, and has a stylized head and decoration on the outside. It is hinged, has a small handle and a catch to hold it closed, making it easy to carry around.

How to play Mancala