Like the Game of Ur the origins of this game begins in Mesopotamia. During its 5000 years of existence it has crossed continents and influenced cultures. I grew up knowing it as Tawlet “Table” or Shesh Besh, from the Hebrew six “Shesh” and the Turkish five “Besh”. The Romans embraced the game from the East rapidly spreading it through its empire. They called it "Duodecum Scripta et Tabulae" or "Tables" for short. I wonder whether this was adopted from the Phoenicians or vice versa? Now, it’s most commonly known as Backgammon which is thought to have been derived from the Saxon, in 1645, “Baec” (Back) and “Gamen” (Game). Although the rules may vary slightly from culture to culture, the objective remains the same, each player aims to get all their stones safely home first, whilst attempting to stop their opponent from doing the same. Just like the Game of Ur. So here is some photographs taken during the making of the first Tawlet set, from the end of 2022. Designed with a purpleheart playfield the inlaid spikes are English sycamore (the light) and bog oak (the dark). Each of the spikes are finished with hand painted gold lines. The stones are vintage, expertly turned from bone. One set dyed red the other natural. With the playfield framed in walnut, solid brass hinges and a little brass knob make opening this table a satisfying experience. Embedded in the frame are 8 magnets that allow for firm closure. More photos of the finished table to follow. . . . . #backgammon #tawlet #sheshbesh #handmadebackgammon #oakesandoakes #boardgames #backgammonset #backgammonboard #backgammonlovers #collector #traditionalgames https://www.instagram.com/p/Cnpe7TCjDNj/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
