Chinook Indian Talk

Re: Games

From: tenas kumtux
Date: 12/19/2002
Time: 1:52:52 PM
Remote Name: 152.163.188.166

Comments

They played a “Ball” game in which a large field was required. The missionaries at The Dalles reported seeing them play the game. Unfortunately, the missionaries did not take the time to explain how the game was played. I am guessing it was similar to the game played by the Meshican [Aztec] and Mayan. It was apparently quite rough, as Comcomly’s son, Gassacas, seriously injured the son of a neighboring Chief while playing the game. Another game was played using the object we now refer to as a “Dream-Catcher.” We think of Dream-Catchers as being Southwestern in origin but they were in fact common to a number of people. The Chinook rolled the hoop along the ground and contestants threw spears or shot arrows at it, hoping to pin it to the ground. Different colored beads, twine, or feathers were along the edges of the hoop and you scored points depending upon which color you pinned. Gambling games were very popular. One [the woman's game] was played using four beaver’s teeth like dice. The teeth were marked on one side, and you scored points depending on which sides and which combinations came up. Another game was played using sticks or discs of wood. One of these had special markings. You moved them quickly from hand to hand, and when at last you stopped your opponent had to guess which hand the specially marked stick or disc was in.

Last changed: December 19, 2002