108 INDIAN GAMES, 



lently twirled, there would be an even chance as to which 

 of its two sides the die would settle upon when it lodged ; 

 and in the game as it was played in early times that the 

 Avhole number of dice used should be uniform in the col- 

 oring of the sides, each die having the different sides 

 of different colors. The dice were phiced in the ])owl 

 which was generally of wood, between the two players 

 who were to cast them in behalf of their respective sides. 

 These casters or throwers were selected by each side and 

 the prevailing motives in their choice were generally 

 based upon some superstitious belief in their luck. Per- 

 haps this one had dreamed that he would win. Perhaps 

 that one was believed to possess some magic power, 

 or some secret ointment which when applied to the dice 

 would cause them to turn up favorably for his side.*^ The 

 spectators were generally arranged in seats along the sides 

 of the cabin*^, placed in tiers so that each person could 

 have a view of the players. They were in more senses 

 than one deeph'' interested in the game. When the cast 

 was to be made the player would strike the bowl upon the 

 ground so as to make the dice jump into the air*^ and 

 would then twirl the bowl rapid h^ around. During this 

 process and until it stopped its revolutions and the dice 

 finally settled, the players addressed the dice and beat 

 themselves on their breasts.** The spectators during the 

 same period filled the air with shouts and invoked aid 

 from their own protecting powers, while in the same 

 breath they poured forth imprecations on those of their 

 adversaries. The number of points allected the length of 

 the game and was entirely optional. If six dice were used 



*i Relations des Jesiiites, Relation en I'Annee, 1G36, p, 113, 

 *"- Ibiil, Relation en l'Ann<5e, 1039, p. 95. 

 *3 Sagiird Theodat, Vol. I. p. 243. 

 ** Shea's Hennepin, p. 300. 



