The rhythmic beat of drums, the chanting of songs, the intense focus etched on the faces of players – these are the hallmarks of Sla-Hal, a traditional game deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Northwestern Indian Tribes. Known by various names including Bone Game and Stick Game, this captivating pastime has been enjoyed by generations, connecting modern tribal members to their ancestral heritage. For many in the Pacific Northwest, the tradition of Sla-Hal stretches back to "time immemorial," a phrase often used to denote its ancient origins. Now, compelling physical evidence has emerged, lending credence to this long-held belief: a set of 14,000-year-old bones identified as components of the Sla-Hal game.
These remarkable artifacts, currently housed in the Washington State Historical Society Museum, represent the oldest complete set of Sla-Hal bones ever discovered. Found in Douglas County in the late 1980s amidst a larger collection of historical items, their true significance remained largely unknown for years. It was Marvin Kempf, along with his wife Michele, members of the Snoqualmie Tribe, who, under the guidance of Snoqualmie Tribe elder and tribal archivist Katherine Barker, recognized the bones for what they were: tangible proof of a tradition stretching back millennia.
The Kempfs, deeply involved in their tribal heritage, prepared to present large photographs of these ancient bones at the Paddle to Lummi cultural presentations. This event, a gathering of numerous Pacific Northwest tribes, provided an ideal platform to share this momentous discovery with a wider audience. The recognition of the ancient bones serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring strength and continuity of Native American culture in the region. The significance of Ancient Sla-Hal Bones Identified goes beyond mere archaeological discovery; it strengthens the connection between past and present.
Sla-Hal: More Than Just a Game
Sla-Hal, the Bone Game, or Stick Game is more than just a recreational activity; it is a multifaceted cultural practice that intertwines spirituality, competition, and intricate guesswork. Tribes throughout the Pacific Northwest continue to play Sla-Hal, often with significant stakes involved. In the past, winnings might include valuable items such as clothing, blankets, shawls, horses, and buckskin. Today, the stakes can reach thousands of dollars, adding an element of modern competition to the ancient tradition.
The game’s components are crucial to its execution and understanding. A complete set of Sla-Hal implements consists of two pairs of bones, ten tally sticks, and a "Kick Stick" or "King Stick." Each pair of bones comprises one plain bone, often referred to as "female," and one marked bone, designated as "male." These bones are the central focus of the game, while the tally sticks serve as a means of keeping score. The additional stick represents a final marker of advantage. The common names of the game, "Bone Game" and "Stick Game," directly reflect the importance of these pieces.
The Ritual and Strategy of Play
The game begins with players seated on the ground or benches in opposing lines. Each side selects a leader, who holds the two pairs of bones. The leader initiates the game with a song, accompanied by drumming and the rhythmic pounding of sticks by each player. This musical element creates an atmosphere of anticipation and intensity.
Once the song begins, the leader selects two players on their team to hold the bones. These players conceal their hands behind their backs or under scarves, deftly switching the bones around in a display of misdirection. The song and drumming continue as the players attempt to conceal the black band on the marked bones within their fists, all while maintaining rhythm with the music.
The opposing team’s leader eventually signals their readiness to guess the location of the unmarked bones. Using a system of hand signals, they attempt to identify the placement of the plain bones. Each incorrect guess results in the loss of one tally stick to the opposing team. The "Kick Stick," representing the last point of advantage, is the final stick surrendered.
When the opposing leader successfully identifies the location of both unmarked bones, the bones are transferred to their team, and the game continues with their team hiding the bones. The cycle repeats until one team has acquired all of the tally sticks and the final kick stick, signifying victory. The winnings are then distributed among the victorious teammates. Spectators often gather to watch the game, placing side bets on the outcome, adding another layer of excitement to the proceedings. A single game of Sla-Hal can last for hours, with the tally sticks frequently changing hands as teams vie for dominance.
Sla-Hal: A Connection to the Past and a Bridge to the Future
Sla-Hal, with its customary side betting, is a regular feature of many northern powwows, providing weekend entertainment and a tangible link to ancestral traditions. Tribal lore maintains that the game has been played in the Pacific Northwest since "time immemorial," and it also gained popularity among various Plains Indian tribes.
Michele Kempf emphasizes the enduring connection between past and present: "We are still the same people we were 14,000 years ago, and we’re playing the same game." This statement underscores the profound significance of Sla-Hal as a living cultural tradition that transcends time.
The discovery of the Ancient Sla-Hal Bones Identified offers a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the history and significance of this cultural practice. Michele believes that learning more about the roots of Sla-Hal can bring people closer to their own tribal heritage.
The Kempfs highlight the creation story often associated with Sla-Hal. According to tribal lore, animals and humans were engaged in a constant struggle, leading to dwindling food resources. The creator intervened, offering them a game – Sla-Hal – with the stipulation that the winner could consume the loser. Humans were on the verge of defeat when they pleaded for mercy. The creator, moved by their plight, allowed them to win and bestowed upon them four guiding principles: to reject greed, lust, hate, and jealousy.
"The spirit gave us a gift, to show the people who we are," Michele explains. Since then, Sla-Hal has been used as a means of resolving disputes through "bloodless war" and has also played a role in healing practices.
The identification of the ancient bones as Sla-Hal game pieces was a revelation for Marvin Kempf. Researchers who initially studied the bones for nearly three decades remained uncertain about their purpose, with some suggesting they might be sled runners. However, Marvin, who grew up playing Sla-Hal, recognized their significance when he held replicas of the bones and learned their quantity.
The Kempfs have been actively sharing photographs of the bones with tribal elders throughout the Pacific Northwest, adhering to traditional protocols for disseminating important news. These elders have shared their own stories and perspectives on Sla-Hal and its origins, each contributing a piece to the larger narrative.
The Ancient Sla-Hal Bones Identified strengthens the story that researchers weren’t certain what they were for nearly thirty years.
The rediscovery and recognition of the Ancient Sla-Hal Bones Identified is a testament to the enduring power of cultural memory and the importance of preserving and celebrating indigenous traditions. This discovery serves as a powerful reminder of the rich history and cultural heritage of the Northwestern Indian Tribes and the enduring connection between past and present. The Ancient Sla-Hal Bones Identified links the people to their heritage.