The African game Mancala, which derives its name from the Arabic word , meaning ‘to move’, is one of the oldest board games in history. Inspired by its form, Savile Row designer Ozwald Boateng reinterpreted the traditional board and 48 pieces in solid wenge and handcrafted Murano glass for Poltrona Frau as part of a larger collection, unveiled last year, that included rugs, candles, wallpapers and embossed leathers. ‘I learned very early on as a designer that to take something that’s very traditional and modernise it is actually quite difficult,’ says Boateng. ‘There’s a subtlety to getting the balance of the two worlds right.’ We think he’s nailed it. *
