Kenyan Bao Game

Centuries-old sailing and carving traditions are entwined at the Festival

The Kenya: Mambo Poa program was arranged to reflect the pastoral, urban, and coastal environments within the country. Visitors to the coastal area were drawn to the weathered dhow from Lamu Old Town on the coast of Eastern Kenya and could watch as it was transformed into a sea-worthy vessel under the direction of Ali “Skanda” Ali.

Hailing originally from Yemen, his family’s work with wood dates back at least 700 years—and Ali Skanda is actively carrying it forward with his own practice and by training youth at his woodshop. Preserving traditional woodworking skills provides a lens to view history and the present moment—even as powerboats and commercial products replace the handmade. The intricately carved bao boards remain part of daily life in Old Lamu and also find their way onto dhows, where they may be used as crews wait for winds to rise and push them across the channel.

A glimpse into the Wamunyu Wood Carvers Cooperative highlights the range of decorative objects and furniture still made by contemporary Swahili woodworkers. Ali Skanda made the bao board to use at the Festival, anticipating playing with visitors as he took breaks from restoring the Lamu dhow.

Much like checkers or chess games played in city parks across the Americas and Europe, bao games are set up for two players and often attract passing observers. The ancient game is math-based and strategic, requiring concentration; it’s also an engaging way to pass the time.

On the Festival’s last weekend, the restored dhow’s sails were rigged and hoisted. It would soon be bound for the Mariners’ Museum and Park in Newport News, Virginia, where it is now part of the Small Craft Collection. The bao board and playing pieces are displayed in the Center’s conference room.