NATIVE AMERICAN GAMES

There were many different types of games Native American Children played. Most of these games were to teach skill and lessons.

One of the games they played was The Bowl game. It was played by putting peach pits in a wooden bowl. two teams would take turns hitting the bowl on the ground to make the object jump up and then hit the bowl.

Another game they played was called Snow Snake. Throwing a stick into the snow was how children played this game. Whoever threw the stick the farthest won. Many lessons were taught throughout the games.

A different bowl games was called the Sacred Bowl Game that was played by children was called The Sacred Bowl Game. Almost every Native tribe played by children this game often played this game. It was often played on many occasions; one of those occasions was in many ceremonies. This was a very popular game.

Many cornhusk dolls were very popular to girls. If they were feeling bad they would hold this doll and was supposed to make them feel better. This doll was made to teach them hand and eye coordination.

Foot racing and guessing games were also very popular. Women also had their own games. Only one or two women were allowed to play Shinny, which was like field hockey. Most of these games were for men and not for women. The most difference was in the teams. Many teams were mixed both men and women.

In a game called the hand game, one or more players on a team held marked sticks in their closed hands. The players sitting across from them would try to guess where a certain stick was. The side that was hiding the sticks would sing very loudly to confuse the guessing team, and both sides bet on the results. Though many games taught lessons some taught survival. For example, if someone were to attack them they would know what to do.

Many of the native boys developed to make a top rate hunter, stalker, or a great warrior. Stamina, strength, and stability were also needed to make the success of a great hunter or a warrior. Many Indians realized that a keen eye was not necessarily a quick eye, or keen ears. You know it is impossible for a young city boy to know the stress, and strain that these young Indians had. They could not play just for fun play; they had to play for learning. Another goal scoring game was called Double-Ball. These are some of the games that Native American children played.

How to Play and Make a Bowl Game

(Also know as The Sacred Bowl Game)

This is what you need.

Medium-grit sandpaper

Six clean plum or peach stones

Wooden bowl or tray

Black felt-tip marker or quick-drying paint

20 dried beans or tally sticks, used as counters

1. Hold the sandpaper in one hand and sand off any rough edges points or hard spots on the clean dry peach pits. Also sand the top and bottom so that the stones rest evenly on a flat surface.

2. Gently toss each dice as you finish it to see how it lands. Then toss them all together in your cupped hands or in a bowl and or tray.

3. Color one side of the die with a marker. Leave the other side natural.

4. Dived the counters evenly between the two players or teams, who should sit facing each other. Place the six dice in the game bowl and decide who will begin.