The Bone Game

Native Americans have been playing the bone game (also known as the hand game, slahal, or stick game) for centuries, with origins predating recorded history. Archaeological findings, such as bones found with a 13,800-year-old mastodon, suggest extremely ancient roots, while oral tradition links it to the creation of the world.

An Oral History of the Ancient Game of Sla-Hal: Man Versus Animals

Here in the northern Central Valley of California on traditional Nisenan and Miwok land the bone game remains popular.  My granddaughter has been studying our host peoples in school and together we crafted a stick game for her to play with her classmates.

As a naturalist and interpretative ranger, I have a passion for keeping such knowledge alive.  And, I believe it also helps us stay close to the land we inhabit.

Hoofnote:  Some of the modern game sets can get pretty fancy!