Stamps → German.
Indonesian stamp showing Congklak
Mancala games are depicted on numerous stamps and also on related items such as postal artwork, which illustrates their cultural significance especially in Africa and Asia, where most stamps were published. The philatelic history of mancala stamps encompasses more than half a century and at least 15 different countries. Themes range from traditional scenes to modern comic figures. It is strange that several large countries don't seem to have mancala stamps, such as India, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, and South Africa, although mancala games are of great importance there.
Other abstract strategy board games, which can be often seen on stamps, are Chess, Go and Draughts.
Table[]
| Game | Country | Year | Notes |
| [Unknown] | Djibouti | 1991 | "Jeux traditionnels" (photo) |
| Awale | Ivory Coast | 1971 | "National Lottery" (photo) |
| Bao | Tanzania | 1988 | "Traditional Games"; the original artwork (250 x 180 mm) was designed by Paul Peter Ndembo in 1987 and the postage stamp was issued on February 15, 1988 (artwork; stamp) |
| Bao | Tanzania | 2009 | "Youth and Sports" (stamp) |
| Bao | Tanzania | 2012 | "Material Culture" (stamp) |
| Congkak | Malaysia | 2002 | Maximum Card (MC) (photo) |
| Congkak | Malaysia | 2010 | "Upin & Ipin" (photo) |
| Congklak | Indonesia | 1954 | "Untuk Anak", i.e. children's games (photo (third from right)) |
| Dakon | Indonesia | 2001 | "Millenium Set" (photo) |
| Gebeta | Ethiopia | 1984 | Traditional Sports (photo (lower right) |
| Mancala | Lesotho | 1991 | "Children's Games (Walt Disney)" (photo (upper row center)) |
| "Morabaraba" (probably a misnomer) | Botswana | 1977 | "Historical Monuments" (photo (lower center)) |
| Mraha | Mayotte | 2003 | Similar to Bao la Kiswahili (photo) |
| N'tshuwa | Mozambique | 1985 | "Traditional Games and Sports" (photo) |
| Ô Ăn Quan | Vietnam | 1984 | Commemorating the famous silk painting Chơi Ô ăn quan (photo) |
| Songo | Equatorial Guinea | 2007 | "Old Toys" (more information) |
| Songo | Gabon | 1989 | "Jeux traditionnels du Gabon" (photo) |
| Sungka | Philippines | 2009 | "Children's Games (National Stamps Collection Month November)" (photo (lower right)) |
| Um ed-Dyar | Mauritania | 1996 | "Jeux Traditionels" (photo (left)) |
See also[]
Copyright[]
© Ralf Gering
Under the CC by-sa 2.5 license.