Ayo: The Traditional Nigerian Board Game Played with Seeds or Stones

Ayo (also known as Awari or Oware) is a beloved traditional mancala game across Nigeria and West Africa. It is played on a wooden board with two rows of six holes (12 total). The playing pieces are 48 seeds, stones, or cowrie shells (four per hole initially).

Players take turns "sowing" seeds counter-clockwise, capturing opponents' seeds based on specific rules. The goal is to capture the most seeds. Ayo is more than a pastime—it teaches strategy, mathematics, and patience, and serves as a social centerpiece in villages and urban homes alike, enjoyed by all ages.