Page 114 - TheHopiIndians

106 MESA FOLK OP HOPILAND
But the Hopi are not disturbed by such philosophi
cal considerations and adhere to the traditional and
time-honored games they know without desire for in
novation. With them athletic games are most pop
ular, are pursued with whole-souled abandon, and are
accompanied with a world of noise and rough play;
but the races and games connected with the religious
ceremonies are carried on with due decorum. Stout
shinny sticks of oak brought from the north show
that the Hopi know the wide-spread sport that warms
the blood of many an American boy, but, alas ! there
is no ice for its full enjoyment. Among other athletic
sports one may reckon throwing darts, shooting with
bow and arrow at a mark, or hurling the boomerang-
like club, which is an ancient weapon, or even im
promptu trials of skill in throwing stones or in bouts
of friendly wrestling. The most amusing struggle
game is the Nuitiwa, played by both sexes after the
close of the Snake ceremony. Men and boys provide
themselves with some piece of pottery or other object of
value and run through the village crying "Wa ha ha!
Wa ha ha ! " pursued by the fleet-footed women who
chase them and struggle for the prize with much
laughter and shortness of breath. The men take the
precaution to remove their shirts, if they value them,
before they begin, for that garment is not worth a
moment's purchase when the girls reach for the prize
held at arm-length above the head.
Many of the sacred games are of an athletic char