Native American Sports and Games (Native American Life (Mason Crest))

When Studying The Indigenous Peoples Of North, Central, And South America, It Is Important To Understand That Native American Cultures Are Highly Diverse. With More Than 500 Native American Nations And 300 Different Language Groups, There Are Few Universal Characteristics That Apply Across Tribal Boundaries. Traditions, Ceremonies, Sports, Games, Dance, Subsistence Patterns, Clothing, And Religion Often Differed Greatly From Tribe To Tribe. The Native American Life Series Has Been Written To Dispel Many Of The Myths And Stereotypes About Native American History And Traditions, And To Provide A More Accurate And Encompassing Journey Into The World Of Native Americans. The hunting practices of Native Americans differed throughout North and South America. Some hunted with bows and arrows, others with spears and clubs, and still others with snares and traps. This book discusses the ways in which Native Americans hunted in different regions, the weapons they used, and the types of animals that were hunted. It also describes the rituals the tribes performed before hunting, and explains how they used not only the meat, but also the bones, hide, and sinews of the animals they killed Native Americans loved to play games. From the United States to Mexico to Canada, tribes everywhere played games as part of their rituals, to cure diseases, to make crops grow, or sometimes, just for the pure fun of the sport. This book discusses the types of games played by various tribes in specific regions. It also explains how these games were played, and the significance-religious and social-of each contest. Native American Sports and Games Content: Native American games -- Games of the northeast -- Games of the southeast -- Games of the northwest and far north -- Games of the southwest -- Games of Central and South America. Discusses the types of games played by Native American tribes, and explains the religious and social significance of the contests.