Tóka Game Essay

The ancient Native American womens game called Tóka of the O’odham people has existed since the ancient times of their ancestors. As an O’odham man, I have seen this game played often throughout my reservation during the hot summer months. As an observer of this ancient womens game, it is clearly shown through play that there are many important aspects within the game.

The tóka game was set to occur mid morning at 10. The games are exclusively played during the spring due to timely winter rains which are necessary for the mesquite tree to soak. This process makes the branches viable to be used as sticks when bent/shaped by the spring heat. The O’odham refer to these tools of play as “usiga sticks”. They use the sticks in coordination …show more content…
The teams generally have seven to fifteen women with diverse ages ranging from as young as four to eighty years old, which was apparent in the formed teams. The two teams distinguish themselves by its selected color, wearing long traditional cotton dresses. Surprisingly, the game is also played with no protection and with no breaks. The environment of the “arena” was designated in a barren desert field near their village. About ten minutes in, the game initiated with wages places such as traditional sticks and baskets. The two teams then proceeded to sing the traditional tóka song in a reverent demeanor: eyes closed and facing each other. After the song they advanced towards of the field where a line drawn in dirt roughly marked the center. The ola was placed between the two opposing teams and they began by jabbing their usigas at the ola aggressively. The main objective of the game is to hit the ola across the opposing teams goal line. Even if the ola crosses the line, the game is still in play because it must be picked up and brought back to the center to be considered a point. The best out of seven points is the winner. The blockers are in the middle and the fastest women …show more content…
It serves historically as a traditional skill to master for O’odham women. It seems that through time, it also serves as a perseverance of ancient culture just by examining the diverse age ranges. The importance of elders in the sport is crucial as they explain the origin and meaning behind the contest. As this tradition has been passed down through generations, the traditional stories and meanings have also endured, as well. The game was given to the people by the Elder Brother, “I’itoi”, as something to do in their free time while the men were away hunting. The fact that these important aspects of the ancient O’odham culture which have been preserved by this sport is fascinating because the participants are literally reliving their cultural history while learning traditional values and structures during those ancient times. I would say one of the reasons why this game has survived so long is because the social pressure within the community to learn these as a woman. Starting at such a young age allows this sport to bridge the younger and older generations which allow for social and cultural exchange through the process. Another aspect about the game is related to the noticeable harsh, competitive essence which is even apparent through the tóka song which talks about the power of the puck and the meaning of red which displays power. Some women even die their hair red to show this and prove