With this years theme Make the Change we’ll be reflecting on the relationship between people and our living environments through the ancient game of Oware.
Join us for a creative afternoon with Art Hoppers and Mwalimu Express inspired by this fun, fast paced game of strategy and learn how to play! Make your own game-board from recycled materials to take home. Look at the beautiful Adinkra symbols carved into the boards and discover their meaning – The Sankofa, a mythical bird with feet pointing forward, head turning back, teaches us to learn from the past to help improve the future. Draw and cut out to make 3D graphics of your own.
Finally we’ll be using the annotations of previous gamers moves to inspire pattern design using decorative mark making in a grid formation. All this wonderful activity takes place amongst Mwalimu Express signature African drapes and with a soundscape of inspiring Pan African melodies and rhythms. OWARE – known as a pit and pebble game, is the oldest board game that is still widely played in the world today and been in existence for seven thousand years. Its exact origin has been lost to history, but Africa has always been considered its traditional home.
The game-board has two rows of 6 shallow pits or ‘houses’ in which pebbles are placed by two opponents, strategically moved and captured by the deft player. But Oware is not celebrated as a game between two, rather a conversation involving all who watch. Oware is a meeting place and an educational tool promoting social interaction and community spirit. So jump in and let the game capture your imagination.
ABOUT ART HOPPERS
Art Hoppers design and deliver high-quality art activities for early years, primary school children and families in both educational settings and public spaces.
ABOUT MWALIMU EXPRESS
Mwalimu Express London’s original Sunday afternoon African adventure. Live Music, Oware game, Dance and Street food all Family-Friendly and Free.
ABOUT THE OWARE SOCIETY
We are an organisation dedicated to the playing and promotion of Oware an ancient African Mathematical Board Game.
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