conversation games

Javanese artisan Widanti crafts a tricky puzzle from natural teak wood. Can you separate the wooden pieces from the cords? The artisan names the puzzle omed-omedan, which means "pull-pull" in the Balinese language. Omed-omedan, also known as 'The Kissing Ritual', is a ceremony held by the young people of Banjar Kaja Sesetan in Denpasar, Bali. It originates from a fight between a male and female pig and represents the push and pull of positive and negative elements.

Embossed in leather, a compass points the way to victory. Francis Agbete creates the intricate motifs in tooled leather and applies them to the lid of a chess set. Intricately carved from sese wood, each warrior lines up for battle. The board graces the interior of a velvet-lined box to store the pieces when not in use.

Tooled leather with traditional West African motifs is transformed into a handsome chessboard. From Samuel and Francis Agbetey, it invites players to a peaceful battle on the playing field. The chess pieces are carved from sese wood in classic style.