Shax

Shax (pronounced /shah/) is a board game played in the Horn of Africa, particularly in Somalia. The game is usually played by marking a board on the ground, and using stones or sticks as pieces. With its origins dating back centuries, it has had a significant influence on Somali literature, which often mentions gameplay and strategies. In the historical nomadic lifestyle of the Somali people, shax was also utilized as a means of communication between different clans.

Why is Shax Popular?

Shax is a traditional game from the Horn of Africa and belongs to the Morris family. Like other games from that family, its origins date back to antiquity. The game has cultural significance in Somalia and is still popular today. It is also interesting to note that the game related objects found in Kush illustrate both Egyptian and Greco-Roman influences, and together they illustrate a continuous outside influence on playing practices in Kush but little evidence for locally developed games.

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