Vintage Wooden Mancala Board Game with Shell Inlay from Lombok Island - Asian Folk Art - Traditional Lizard Wood Carving

Description

FREE COWRIE/COWRY SEASHELLS AS MANCALA SEEDS. 

SIZE : Length = 23.6″ (inches)
Width = 7.5″ (inches)
Height = 3.5″ (inches)

This vintage board game from Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara is a stunning representation of the island’s rich artistic heritage. Handcrafted from solid wood, it is adorned with intricate pearl inlay (cukli), a traditional craft passed down through generations. The board features two gracefully carved lizards, accompanied by East Indonesian motifs, each telling a story of culture and tradition.

Surrounded by the Lombok Strait to the west and Alas Strait to the east, the island’s artisans have long mastered the cukli technique, skillfully embedding delicately cut seashell fragments into wooden surfaces. This meticulous process requires precision, patience, and a deep respect for natural materials, resulting in breathtaking works of art.

A defining characteristic of cukli is its triangular patterns, symbolizing stability and strength. In Lombok culture, the triangle represents the harmony between humans, nature, and the divine, a balance believed to bring prosperity and well-being. More than just a board game, this piece is a testament to Lombok’s artistic legacy, seamlessly blending nature, craftsmanship, and cultural philosophy into a single masterpiece.