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Welcome to the Homepage ofHand crafted traditional work made of natural materials in Seychelles. Each piece is a work of art and expresses the beauties of nature.

If you need a unique gift or want your children to play with games made from items found in nature, you are in the right place. Look around - and make your order - We can deliver anywhere in the World.

Games you find here:

Ethnic Craft you find here:

Games

We use wherever possible the local natural materials of the Seychelles.

The boards

Takamaka Tree

are made of palm tree or the Takamaka wood. Palm wood becomes very hard after it dried. The best time to treat it is when it is green. Also you only can use the outside part of the trunk. The inside is used to store the water and gets rotten very quickly. The palm wood has a nice design since the different fibres have many different colours. Takamaka wood has colour variations from white to dark red. It gives the board it's life. Takamaka can be compared with Teak and is still used for local shipbuilding. It is an endemic wood, which only grows on the Seychelles.
Also a nice hard wood is the one from the Lagatie Tree. The wood is yellow initially but dries to a soft grey. It was used to built houses - but since it is so hard the local carpenters prefer imported conifer wood.

Palm Trees

The other material used is Tami Coco. There is maybe an English name for Tami - but we do not know it. It is a natural woven material, which is similar to jute. It grows at the lower part of a emerging palm leaf . It connects one edge of the new leaf to the other edge of the leaf. It helps to protect the new leaf from early breaking. If there are more new leaves the Tami tears at the edges and the leaf sets slowly. This is the moment you can pick the Tami.
We take only wood from trees which fell for natural reasons (Wind, Erosion of the Beaches - or simply if somebody build a new house).

Tami Coco

The counters

Takamaka Seed

are either local seeds, shells or marbles*.
One are the large brown Takamaka seeds which look like natural marbles. There are also the dark red - shiny seeds of the Lagatie Tree.
As well we use shells found on the beach - we do not collect living ones!!! Therefore the shells come in all qualities, we do not kill for decoration! The shells are also used as dice.
To give the games a different design you can also purchase them with imported marbles*.

Wrapping
The games - or the counters - are supplied in a cotton bag. The games are nice to display - it would be a pity to hide them in a carton.

And everything is Hand Crafted and each Game comes with Rules!

Each Game is unique since we adapt the Playing field to the design of the wood!

Do not hesitate to contact us if you need further information!

If you wish to see the pictures larger - simply click on the picture with your mouse!

Name	History	Description	Material	No: of Players	Price in US $	Size appr. cm
Ancient Game	When graves of the time 2500 years before Christ were opened, wooden boards were found ...	Since the original rules are lost, historians reconstructed two different ways to reach "home"	Wooden board with shaped and burned marks. Counters of wood, shells or Marbles* and shells as dices.	2	30*	15 x 35 x 2
Awithlak- nannai	This Game has parallels to Alquerque or the better known Draughts. Today it is still played by the Zuni-Indians in New Mexico (USA).	On a rhombic board 2 x 12 counters are placed with an empty center. Players take turns to jump their pieces over their opponent's pieces to a vacant space.	Wood board with shaped and burned marks. Counters from Takamaka seeds, Shells - or Marbles*	2	30*	15 x 35 x 2
Back- Shell- Gammon	Backgammon is currently the most popular name of one of the oldest board games in the world. It was first mentioned in a letter in 1645. Philogs estimate that the name comes from walish (back=little; cammon=battle) or from the anglesachs (back game).	We created the Shell version of Back Gammon. Move the shells to the home board to take them from the board. Try to put your opponent 'on the bar' to earn time.	Wooden case with lino printing and shells as counters.	2	60	open 30 x 40 x 3
Crazy 4	Ingredients for games of passion are always colours. Before Mr. Rubic invented his cube a wooden version was already known.	It can be played in 3 different ways - either to place one of each colour on each side - one of each colour on two and two colour on each side - or one of each colour on two and one colour on two sides - questions? ;-)	Wood & Sisal	1	20	5 x 15 x 5
Danm Kare	It is known all over the world - Dame, Polish draughts, Dameh or Checkers. It is thought that it originated from the south of France or Spain - based on Alquerque. This is the Version played in the Seychelles. It is played on a 8 x 8 field board,	bottle tops are used as counters. Each Player tries to remove the opponents counters by jumping across it. At the other side of the board he can change his bottle top into a 'Danm'.	Wood and Bottletops - or shells	2	30	25 x 25
Danm Latet	This is a typical game of the Seychelles. The board is known from the Tibet game Kungser. It seems that the Seychellois got the board from Asia - but did not know the rules.	So they applied the same rule of Danm Kare. By jumping across the opponent counters they are 'manz' (eaten).	Wooden board with shaped and burned marks and counters of Takamaka seeds, shells- or Marbles*	2	40*	25 x 40 x 2
Danm Latet Pocket Version	As in the title -	the small Pocket - Version.	Wooden board and counters.	2	14	8 x 18 x 1.5
Kungser	This game symbolises the centuries of struggle between the Tibetan rulers (Kungsers) and the Budhist monks (Lamas). It is often played outside Tibet, marked in the sand or on a rough cut of wood.	Two Kungsers have to remove the Lamas from play, while the Lamas try to imprison the Kungsers so they can not move. The Kungsers win if they capture all the Lamas. The Lamas win if they trap both Kungsers.	Wooden board with shaped and burned marks and Takamaka seeds, Shells as counters - or Marbles*	2	40*	25 x 40 x 2
Domino	An often underestimated game and judged as a kid's toy but it has a lot of variations and strategies. Here in Seychelles it is a very popular game among the adults - and is often played at the Bakka bars or while looking after the crops.	This is the only time, it is allowed to play for money ;-) In Seychelles the "six" Domino is played. 28 stones have to be combined in a row. The player who finishes all his stones first, wins the game.	Wood	2-8	33	a stone 2.5 x 5 x 1
Fanorana	A game which is also related with 'Alquerque'. It is thought to have been invented in 1680 in Madagascar. A lot of famous 'Fanorana matches' in which the Lords qualified themselves played a major role in the history of Madagascar. It is estimated that this game was also played on the outer islands of Seychelles - since they are close to Madagascar.	The major difference to similar games is that the opponent is not taken by crossing the counter but by moving against or away from him. Combined moves can be made - always with certain rules. The goal is to take all the opponents counters or to trap them.	Wooden board with shaped and burned marks and Takamaka seeds, Shells- or Marbles* as counters.	2	40*	25 x 40 x 2
Fri Pasyan	There is a fruit in Seychelles which is called 'Fri Pasyan' - 'Fruit of Passion'. You can not eat it but if you peel it, it will fall into about 7 pieces extremely difficult to reassemble. Since it is not practicable to match the dried pieces we created a Fri Pasyan of wood.	7 three dimensional pieces have to be combined to a cube. Also other three dimensional figures can be puzzled with the different shaped pieces.	Wood	1	16	5 x 5 x 5
Game of Life	This is a puzzle originated from China. As Chinese players were convinced that it would take more than a lifetime to find all possible variants for this puzzle, they called it the 'Game of Life'.	It consist of thirteen different pieces which are based on 5 sub-units. All wooden pieces make a square. The aim of the game is to create as much variants of the squares as possible. Also other figures can be made!	Wood	1	30	15 x 15 x 2
Horse Racing	To bet and races are an old tradition. This game bring the fun of a racetrack into your home. The goal is to get the 'horses' along the course against the handicap to the finish.	There are little holes on the track. A horse might fall through it. If one horse stumble - fall into a hole - the horses have to start again.	Wood	2-4	30	8 x 20 x 3
Island Hopping	Visiting the Seychelles is the most unique and marvellous journey you can make - and if you have visited all the islands - or at least 3 you are very lucky. It is based on an idea of Reinhold Wittig.	To take the best pictures it is advised to be the earliest in the morning. Reach the three island with your four boats first and get a good shot. If not you still win since you visited the island! :-)	Wooden board with shaped and burned marks. 8 Boats from Coconut Shell and three seashells as islands and 8 shells as dices	2	40	30 x 50 x 2
Konane	A game originating from Hawaii. It was originally played with black and white counters on a wood or lava stone board.	By Jumping across the opponents pieces they are taken from the board. The final victor is the one who wins the most of these games.	Wooden board with shaped and burned marks and Takamaka seeds, Shells- or Marbles* as counters.	2	40*	60 x 60 x 2
Kono	This is the ancient Korean game of Nei-pat-ko-no.	The object is to kill or to trap all your opponents counters so that they can not move.	Wooden board with shaped and burned marks and Takamaka seeds, Shells- or Marbles** as counters.	2	24**	20 x 20 x 2
Makonn	is an old traditional game of the Seychelles. It had been almost forgotten and it was difficult to find the exact rules. Actually there are different variants. It was mostly played on the outer islands.	Each player controls two rows of holes. The counters in these holes can move only by jumping across another counter . The goal is to collect as many stones as possible.	Wooden board with shaped and burned marks and Takamaka seeds, Shells- or Marbles* as counters.	2	30*	25 x 50 x 2
Makonn Lagatia	The pocket version of the above Makonn.	Easy to carry - and to be played at the airport, hotel or just at home :-)	Wooden board with red Lagati seeds as counters.	2	20	10 x 19 x 1.5
Millwheel	This is one of the oldest forms to play this game. It is mostly found in places where the roman legionnaires used to stay. It is carved in wood or just in the sand.	Each player has 3 shells to be placed on the field. The one who start has the advantage to block the center. The 3 shells have to be placed in a straight row across the center.	Coconut Tami and shells	2	6	10 x 10 x 0.5
Nyout - Yut	The historians agree that this game originated form Korea - but the opinions about the age differ widely. The first time it could have been played was 1122 years before Christ. It could be more ancient than the games of Pachisi, Patol or even Chess.	The goal is to reach the upper center field. Starting from the left field next to it. The players circle around the board or take short cuts by exact throws.	Coconut Tami and shells	2-4	20	25 x 25 x 0.5
Pachisi	is one of the games most of the European games are based upon. The origin is not known. There are parallels to games in Asia as well as in South America. It is said that the game displays the cycle of a human life.	Born in the center of the board you walk along the field around the world to reach finally the beginning. Even if you are taken out, you go back to the beginning and start again. The idea of reincarnation is also implemented.	Coconut Tami and shells as counters as well as dices.	2-4	30	folded 25 x 25 x 1
Plan Kare	Originated from Africa it was also played in the Seychelles.	Pocket game. Place three shells in a row. Each player has four shells.	Coconut Tami and shells	2	12	15 x 15 x 0.5
Puluc	This ancient central American game can be played by two players or two teams. In its original form it is played with ten corn cobs laid out in a row to form a ladder.	Each player has five counters of their own colour. The shells are used as dice. The object is to capture the opponents pieces and bring them to your side.	Wooden board with shaped and burned marks, wooden pieces and shells as dice.	2	20	15 x 25 x 2
Saxum	is a mixture of strategy and luck. It is invented by the American Sid Sackson.	The dice decides which field can be activated and the strategy is how.	Wooden board with shaped and burned marks, wooden pieces to count and Takamaka seeds, Shells or Marbles* to count.	2	40*	25 x 60 x 2
Senet	The first hints to this game are older than 5000 years. The oldest discoveries are from 3200 before Christ. In the grave of Tutenkhamun they found a lovely table marked with the playing field.	Although a lot of temple paintings and grave discoveries gives hints - there are no detailed information about the rules.We have the rules of the Swiss archaeologist Gustav Jéquier.	Wooden board with shaped and burned marks, Takamaka seeds, Shells or Marbles* to count and shells to dice.	2	40*	20 x 40 x 2
Seychelles	If you can not visit the Seychelles - you can at least play it and enjoy it. While sailing from one island to the other you relax and enjoy the beauties - of the game. It is based on an idea of Reinhold Wittig. While you are on the way you collect shells	- which is what most visitors do! On the main Island you can change them into even nicer and bigger ones. The game finishes if all the shells are gone - but the winner is the one who enjoyed and relaxed the most. This everybody has to decide for himself.	Wooden case with the map of the Seychelles, a wooden turtle as a dice, six little boats of coconut shells, 38 small shells and 27 large shells and 44 turtle cards and 6 hiding places.	6	160	open 40 x 60 x 2
Shut the Box	A game played in British pubs - especially for the next round.	With an agreed number of throws of the dice 'the box has to be shut'. The player with the most minus points has to do something - pay the next round or wash the dishes!	Wooden game with wooden dices	As much as you can control!	30	10 x 20 x 2
Snakes & Ladders	A game brought by the British Colonist to the Seychelles. It is still very popular. It originates from India. It displays the cycle of a life. The snakes represent wrongs which increase the journey while the ladders represent virtues which shorten the journey.	From one end you go to the other. If you reach the head of a snake you have to get back to the tail - if you reach the bottom of a ladder you can climb it.	Wooden board, pieces and dice.	2-4	14	10 x 10 x 1.5
Solitaire Tami	Solitaire - the game of the eremites. There are different theories about the origin of the game. It is said, that the game was found in the Egyptian Kings graves. But there is no proof.	Jump across the pieces and collect them. Try to place the last piece in the center field.	Coconut Tami and shells	1-2	20	25 x 25 x 0.5
Solitaire	Indians in the Americas were seen to be playing this game with miniture arrows when Europeans first arrived. Another theory is that monks and nuns played this game in the loneliness of the cloisters.	You can also play it with more players - the one who make the last move or collects the most pieces wins.	Wooden board and pieces.	1-2	12	10 x 10 x 1.5
big Turtle Puzzle	One of the first settlers of the Seychelles! which unfortunately nearly died out. It was too easy for the early sailors to carry the living fresh meat away!	Match the 4 little one to create the big turtle.	Wood	1	20	15 x 20 x 5
small Turtle Puzzle	One of the first settlers of the Seychelles! which unfortunately nearly died out. It was too easy for the early sailors to carry the living fresh meat away!	Match the little one into the big turtle.	Wood	1	8	5 x 8 x 3
Seychelles Puzzle	The Seychells have al ot of endemic colourful plants and animals.	Match the species of the Seychelles into their home.	Wood	1	30	20 x 30
Stepper	A traditional game of the Seychelles children. It helped them to 'grow' more quickly.	Step on the half of a coconut shell and try to walk.	Coconut shell and sisal.	1	2	15 x 15 x 7
Masin pti koko	The traditional rattle of the Seychelles kids. Competitions	are held to find out which 'machine' makes the loudest noise.	Young Coconut and 'zig'	1	1	7 x 4 x 3

*: + 10 US $ if you wish this game with marbles!

**: + 6 US $ if you wish this game with marbles!

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