CUP AND PIN GAME
David Mandelbaum described this game in his book, "The
Plains Cree". The game was usually played by the women.
EQUIPMENT
- Eight or nine bones in conical form (thimbles or half
walnut shells may also be used)
- A knitting needle or a wooden or bone pin, approximately
nine inches long
- An oblong piece of hide or strong cloth material. This
piece should be about 4 - 6 inches square, bearing 6 holes as illustrated
- A leather thong approximately 24 inches long
HOW TO PLAY
- Hold the pin straight up, between thumb and forefinger
of the right hand. Extend the right arm. Take the flap in the left hand
and draw it back toward the body so the string is horizontal.
- Toss the bones outward and upward.
- Try to catch the bones and the flap on the pin.
- The details of the scoring vary greatly from place to
place. Here are the principles on which it is usually based: all the cups
count the same number of points, except for the one nearest the flap, which
if caught by itself, is worth either extra points or automatically wins
the game.
To see Lamarr Swindler at Wanuskewin Heritage
Park demonstrate cup and pin (or cariboo toes) click the image below for
a movie.
