612 GAMES OF THE NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS _[ETH. Ann. 24 
When the Dakotas play a game, the village is equally divided into sides. A 
player offers as a wager some article of clothing, a robe, or a blanket, when an 
opponent lays down an object of equal value. This parcel is laid aside and the 
next two deposit their stakes, and so on until all have concluded. The game 
then begins, two of the three innings deciding the issue. 
When the women play against the men, five of the women are matched against 
one of the latter. A mixed game of this kind is very amusing. The fact that 
among the Dakota women are allowed to participate in the game is considered 
excellent evidence that the game is a borrowed one. Among most other tribes 
women are not even allowed to touch a ball stick. 
The players frequently hang to the belt the tail of a deer, antelope, or some 
other fleet animal, or the wings of swift-flying birds, with the idea that through 
these they are endowed with the swiftness of the animal. There are. however, 
no special preparations preceding a game. as feasting or fasting, dancing, ete.— 
additional evidence that the game is less regarded among this people. 
Mr Philander Prescott * gives the following account of the ball 
game in Schoolcraft : 
Ball plays are played by both men and women, and heavy bets depend on the 
issue. I believe there is but one kind of ball playing. One village plays against 
unother. The boundaries are near a half mile. The ball is started from the 
middle. Hach party strives to get the ball over the respective boundaries ; for 
instance, the boundaries are east and west; one party or village will try to 
‘carry the ball west and the other east. If a village or party gets the ball over 
the eastern boundary, they change sides, ‘and the next time they have to try and 
get it over the western boundary; so, if the same party propels it over the 
western boundary, they win one game; and another bet is played for. The ball 
is carved and thrown in a stick about 2 or 3 feet long, with a little circle at the 
end to assist in picking it up. This hoop has some buckskin cords across to keep 
the ball in. I have known an Indian to throw the ball over the boundaries in 
three throws. When it is seen flying through the air, there is a great shout and 
hurra by the spectators. They sometimes pick up the ball, and run over the 
lines without being overtaken by any of the opposite party. Then a great shout 
is raised again, to urge on the players. Horses, guns, kettles, blankets, wam- 
pum, calico, beads, etc., are bet. This game is very laborious and occasionally 
the players receive some hard blows, either from the club or ball. I once saw a 
man almost killed with the ball. He stood in front of the player that was 
going to throw the ball, who threw with great force and aimed too low. The 
ball struck the other in the side, and knocked him senseless for some time. As 
to the effects, I do not perceive that any serious evil results, if we except the 
gambling. Ball is generally played in May and June, and in winter. 
Schoolcraft ? says: 
Ball playing.—This game is played by the northwestern Indians in the winter 
season, after the winter hunts are over, and during summer, when, the game be- 
ing unfit to kill, they amuse themselves with athletic sports, games of chance, 
dances, and war. The game is played by two parties, not necessarily equally 
divided by numbers, but usually one village against another, or one large village 
may challenge two or three smaller ones to the combat. When a challenge is 
accepted, a day is appointed to play the game; ball-bats are made, and each party 
«Information respecting the History, Condition, and Prospects of the Indian Tribes of 
the United States, pt. 4, p. 64, Philadelphia, 1856, 
>Ibid., pt. 2, p. 78, 1852. 
