This is a translation of the Game of Knowledge displayed on this web site. The meanings of the individual words are often debated because
they were written over a century ago, and what might appear apparent today may, in fact, have been interpreted differently at the time of writing.
This English translation might help you experience how the game was played. It is thought that the game was originally played with six
cowrie shells, although you can also use a die. To start the game you need to throw a score of ten - five cowries falling face downward,
bar r_, and one face upward, bar pusht. You then place your counter on the bottom left square and throw the cowries again. The number
of squares you move depends on the number of cowries that land face upward (i.e. two face upward = two squares). We have already noted
that you will find some of the words challenging!
The original of this game board is in the Cambridge University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology's collection.
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