siOBX; - Smithsonian Institution

SWANTON] CHOCTAW SOCIAL AKD CEREMONIAL. LIFE 149
When this has been chanted several times, the players break up their
circle, again dance around the post, then again form their circle at the end
of the outer line of the women, perform the same action with their ball
sticks, while the women dance and chant the same song. These ceremonies
by the players and dancers are performed twelve times, after which they
disperse to participate in the revelries and amusements which are kept up
during the entire night. There is nor can be much sleep on such a noisy
camp ground. The prophets with their blackened faces are busy all night
with their magic performances, each claiming the ability to propitiate and
secure for his own side every mysterious influence in nature. In the morning
the same ceremonies are performed by the players and the women, only
with different songs, of which the following are specimens : " Himak nitak
achukma abi hoke." To-day is good we mill win it. "Towa itonla achukma
abi hoke." The ball lies so handy, we loill win it.
After breakfast for several hours all hands are busy in making their bets.
The parties betting articles with each other tie the articles together and deposit
them on the scaffold. The women are as great betters as the men. One
woman, for instance, bets a dress against a blanket. The articles at once
are tied together and placed on the scaffold. Two men may bet guns against
each other, and they are likewise placed on the scaffold tied together.
Nothing was considered too sacred for a bet. Parties even would bet their
ponies and it was not unusual to find two ponies tied near the scaffold. About
midday, preparations are made for the play. Each mingo stations his players,
the most expert being placed near the posts of the opposite party as here
the struggle is generally the most violent. The rest of the players assembled
at the marked spot in the center and some time is spent in betting. This
over, a prophet throws up the ball and the play begins. Twelve is the
number of rounds usually played. The party that wins a round has the
privilege of throwing up the ball, which is done by one of their prophets.
The posts of the two parties have lines extending out on each side. The rule
is that the posts must be struck on the inside, that is on the split sides, and
the ball must fall on the inside of the drawn line; if otherwise, it is not
counted. During the play, no outsider is expected to interfere in the play
in any manner whatever. Should he do this, the party to which the offender
belongs is expected to forfeit one round or otherwise make some reparation.
Before and during the play, the prophets on each side in the midst of the
players, continue their usual performances. Each carries a small lookingglass.
He turns to the sun, holds his glass towards it with a gyratory motion
then turns and throws the rays upon the bodies of the players of his side.
This action of the prophet is a survival of the sun worship of the olden time.
As all life and power comes from the sun, the prophet flatters himself that
he can infuse a portion into his own party ; and if he can utilize more of
it than ihe prophet of the opposite side, his side will win the day. The
ball play was generally finished in one day. Sometimes, however, the play
was protracted during two days. When it was finished, the vanquished always
cheerfully accepted their defeat. The victors repaired to the scaffold where
they received (the wagers) and then all separated and returned to their homes.
It sometimes happened that some of the vanquished party went home half
naked, having bet even their clothes on the result of the play.
The only games or plays of the Choctaw women, was the ball play, which
they played exactly like the men; and a play resembling the game of battle-
dore, played with sticks and balls.