Description:

Native American, United States to Southern Canada, Eastern Woodlands Tribes, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. An early form of a game ball, hand-carved from a single piece of coffee-brown hardwood into a rounded but not completely spherical shape. This slightly misshapen profile enabled the ball to change direction dramatically when played on uneven ground. This is a rare item that may have been used for an early form of lacrosse or other competitive sport- games were not merely play but determined village's strength and social standing. The stone discoidal game known as chunky gave way to stick and ball games in the 18th century, the most famous being lacrosse, but others such as Cherokee marbles, stickball, and a hockey like game known as shinney were also very popular. Size: 2.2" Diameter (5.6 cm)

For additional literature on the history of lacrosse in Native American tribes, please see: Culin, Stewart. "Games of the North American Indians." Dover Publications, 1907, pp. 562-594.

Provenance: private Lumberton, Texas, USA collection, acquired before 2010

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#170353

  • Condition: Stable pressure fissures throughout but intact and excellent! Black patina throughout.

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Artemis Fine Arts

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