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This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.

Description

Set of cylindrical gambling sticks with knobs on each end. (a) has three evenly spaced red lines around the circumference, at centre, crossed by a dark stain and three dark spots on one side. (b) has three evenly spaced thin black lines at centre and spots to one side. (c) has three evenly spaced red lines, a black line at one side and several spots at opposite end. One spot towards lines side. (d) has a black, red, then black line towards one end. (e) has three closely spaced thin black lines to one side; dark stains on this end. (f) has four red lines near centre; (g) has three black lines at centre with a black and a red shadow-like stains diagonally across centre; (h) has three faint red lines, evenly spaced at centre; (i) is stained red on one end with a black line towards centre and a shadowy black stain diagonally around centre. (j) has three red line near centre, a fourth red line near red stained end. Two white paint spots at this end. (k) has three red lines evenly spaced at centre and two black lines to one side. Stains near centre and white paint spots to one end. (l) has five spaced lines from centre, the outer two are thicker. (m) is undecorated.

History Of Use

Games of chance have long been popular on the Northwest Coast. Several different types of games were played, including; hand and stick games involving an opponent guessing where a specially marked stick, disc or bone was located. These games were played by men for very high stakes. Counters were used to keep score. It was believed that supernatural powers could affect the outcome of a game, therefore ritual preparations for games were important. Hand games were introduced to the northern areas from the south, where they remain popular today.

Cultural Context

gambling

Item History

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