Cup and ball game (ajagaq)
In the cup and ball game (ajagaq), a caribou-antler stick is the "cup" and a caribou's first thoracic vertebra is the "ball." The two pieces are joined by a string of braided caribou sinew. The string is joined to the vertebra through a hole at its point of balance, to ensure stability between each toss.
The game was played by two or more players. One player would toss the vertebra into the air and, on the return swing, try to insert the stick into the vertebra's largest hole. Higher levels of ability could be added; for example, by having the players aim for a smaller hole or by having them use their weaker hand. The person holding the ajagaq would keep it as long as he/she succeeded at each toss, and each success would be accompanied by a specific catchphrase (see below). After three failed attempts, the ajagaq would go to an opponent. The players were gathered in a circle and could be of any age or gender.
By one account, the catchphrases formed a story that could be abridged and changed. The story went more or less as follows:
- Avaaqpagit: I've bonked your head
- Tisurauttiqpagit: I've put you on a sled
- Tisuvutit: You've slid down (the hill)
- Qungnikkuuqputit: You're going to open water
- Imaaqputit: You've fallen into the water
- Kivivutit: You've sunk into the sea
- Kinguktauvutit: The shrimps/scuds have got to you and are eating you
- Sauniinnaruqputit: You're becoming a skeleton
Nowadays, this game of skill is still played but less popular. The players can use a caribou's first cervical vertebra or a hare skull, the stick is generally made of wood, and the string has been replaced with a simple store-bought string of synthetic material.
