The Original Rolling Stones

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The Original Rolling Stones

Q 1. Chunkey is a game of Native American origin. The game seems to have held great importance in the social and political circles of the primitive societies in America and Native Americans used to play it with great fervor and enthusiasm. Disc-shaped rolling stones were used in order to play this game, and the players used to throw spears at them in an attempt to land them as close to the stopped stone as possible. The game was properly played in huge arenas and stadiums, and a massive number of people gathered to witness the game. The origins of the game date back to 600 CE in the Cahokia region which has been converted into modern-day Louis in Missouri.

Q 2. Various lines of evidence have been found regarding the study of Chunkey and its importance for the clan of Cahokia. Multiple pieces of supporting proof have also been found that clears the concepts more regarding the spread of the game from the region of Cahokia to the other areas. For example, the discs used in the gameplay of Chunkey have been found in various regions of North America as well. Although the shapes and sizes have been amended as per the requirements of the area, the basic form and other features have remained the same. The spears used in the game have also been found from the residential places of multiple tribes, in different shapes and sizes, which depict that the game was very much popular, not only in the tribe of Cahokia but also in the other regions.

Q 3. The game of Chunkey formed a microcosm of the greater cosmos. The symbols and crosses were occasionally engraved over the Chunkey discs that represented the four quarters or directions of the vast universe. Another practice that was carried was the engravement of the eye motifs in the discs as they were thought to be linked to the more significant and supernatural eye of the Creator, the God (the original rolling stones). Many discs carried such engravements and stones, along with other works of art that depicted the masculine qualities or the heroic figures of the community. Some of them even carried the figures and features of Gods.

Q 4. Many archeological remains have been found that support the significance of Chunkey for the Native Americans, especially for those who had grown up watching and playing this game. The primary evidence that has been found by the archeologists is the disk-shaped stones that were the main component of the game. These stones have been found in both child and adult sizes. These stones were mostly made from stone or baked clay. The adult-sized stones were more finely crafted as compared to the child-sized stones. Sometimes the families and even tribes kept these stones as prized possessions for generations. The game of Chunkey was so important that it also formed a part of some religious rituals.

Q 5. The Game of Chunkey is crucial in clearing many concepts about the birth and influence of the Cahokia Tribe over the area. The game represented their social, political, cultural and religious beliefs and was extremely popular among the people of the tribe. People used to bet huge amounts and even items over the game. Its influence over the people of Cahokia can be judged by the fact that people did not hesitate to bet their skins, stocks arms and even their wives in the game, and the losers would often commit suicide. The game was further taken from the Cohakian tribe by the members of other tribes Choctaw, Creeks, Chumash, Chickasaw, and Mandans. The borrowing tribes further made amendments to the game as per their convenience, rituals, and culture.

Works Cited

Chapter 4, the Original Rolling Stones