.
Native Americans used
toys and games to teach tribal traditions and beliefs to their
children. Games were usually played in groups to teach cooperation,
coordination, and other skills. Toys amused children who were
too young to do much more than occupy themselves while their
parents worked. According to the Robert Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor,
Maine:
There is more to games than just playing around. Games have
been played for learning, entertainment and even for worship.
They are a way of handing down tradition and knowledge to other
generations. Indian games are played by both adults and children.
Tradition and skill goes into making the game pieces, learning
the rules and practicing the skills.