Contrary to the popular opinion, our Indian girls and women are not mere
drudges, but true feminine athletes, almost as alert as the men, and
frequently even more muscular.
The favorite outdoor sport of the plains-women from remote times is
called by them "tap-kap-see-cha," the original form of "field hockey."
Any level prairie ground is suited to the game, which is especially
exciting when it is engaged in by two neighboring camps. The goals are
usually two hundred yards apart, and the width of the ground about
twenty feet. Twenty-five to fifty or more contestants may play on each
side, but not all at once. They are placed in groups or relays, each
group not to go beyond its allotted field. When a ball crosses the line,
it belongs to the next group. Thus, if there are fifty players on a
side, each group of ten runs only forty yards.
The ball, which is of buckskin, about as large as a baseball, but
softer, is tossed up with a war-whoop, midway between the goals. Each
side then strives to send it on with their hooked sticks toward the
opposing goal. It may either be kept rolling along the ground, or driven
through the air; and the battle continues until one side or the other
succeeds in sending it over the enemy's goal. The distinctive features
of the Indian game are the apportionment of the field to designated
groups of players, and the large number taking part, thus reducing the
confusion and chances of accident while ensuring an exceedingly
picturesque and lively spectacle.
"Pas-lo-han" is played in smaller groups with a wand about eight feet
long, heavy at the forward end, which is shaped somewhat like the head
of a snake, and tapering gently to about the size of a man's finger.
Sometimes the head is made of buffalo, elk, or deer's horn. The girls
hold it between the thumb, middle, and ring fingers, while the index
finger presses against the end. The arm is closely bent at the elbow and
held at right angles to the body, bringing the half-opened hand directly
over the shoulder, and the wand is then hurled with all the strength of
the player's arm, two or three forward steps being taken at the same
time. The head hits the ground slantwise, and the body slides and
wriggles after it much like a fleeing snake. The immediate object of the
girls, who throw in turn, is to see who can make it go furthest, but
grace and swiftness of flight are also points to be considered.
This simple sport brings into use practically all the muscles that are
required to throw a baseball, and helps much to make the girls supple
and agile. It is easier to play in winter and late fall, as the wands
travel much faster over crusty snow or hard-trampled ground.
The Minnesota Sioux used to play a very pretty aquatic game when their
homes were in that beautiful lake country. It was really the original
Indian game of lacrosse played in birch-bark canoes, and might be
christened "water lacrosse" or "canoe ball."
The ball was twice as large as the one the men used on land; I should
say a little larger than a baseball, but much lighter in weight. The
sticks used by the Sioux women were about like the ordinary lacrosse
stick, only a foot longer and with twice as large a pocket. This pocket
is made of vegetable fiber so that the wet does not stretch it, and when
the ball is in it, barely one-third shows above the rim.
Ten to twenty girls may play on a side, two to each canoe. We will
designate them "ball-player" and "canoeist." The latter must devote
herself entirely to her canoe and that of her opponent. She may not
touch the ball nor interfere with the opposing ball-player, but she may
use all her skill to obstruct the opposing canoe, and if her partner
secures the ball, it is her duty to guard against being thus obstructed.
In a skirmish she must be skilful and alert to balance her craft. No
canoeist may ram her opponent head on, and if she does so, the game is
given to the other side.
The ball-player must throw the ball to one of her own side if possible.
Here again special skill is required, for it is nearly as difficult as
making a successful "forward pass." However, she has the privilege of
passing it in any direction to one of her own players. It is not
allowable to hit the ball while in the water. Each player may carry it
on toward her opponent's goal so long as her canoe is not obstructed,
but as soon as her bows are crossed, she must pass it on. Thus the
struggle continues until the ball either goes out of bounds, or passes
over one of the goals. The field is about a hundred yards long by fifty
wide. If the ball goes out of bounds, the referee must toss it up as at
the beginning, in the middle of the field between two opposing canoes,
the canoeists placing the canoes parallel to each other, while the
players struggle for the possession of the ball. Meanwhile, the other
players occupy strategic points and hold themselves ready to receive it.
In this feminine game, it is forbidden to throw the ball with a full arm
swing; it must be lobbed or tossed with the forearm only, to avoid risk
of injury to the players. It develops much nicety of physical
equilibrium, and might be successfully revived in a summer camp by girls
who are good swimmers. They would do well to wear bathing-suits and be
fully prepared for the chances of an upset. In our day, the winners were
entertained by the conquered side at a simple feast.