The object pictured above is a "practice" Snowsnake javelin in the Museum collection. It is 93cm long x 2.1cm wide x 1.6cm thick. It tapers at both ends to slightly narrower measurements. One hand has a gray metal tip like an arrowhead. The other end has a 7cm notch cut which has been burned and polished. About 40cm below the metal tip are incised dots indicating a pattern for use in the snow. The object was purchased from a member of the Oneida Tribe in 1979. It was made by this "First Nation Canadian" for use in practicing Snowsnake technique. A standard Snowsnake for use in Snowsnake games is at least three times in length.
Below is a full motion film with sound, explaining how the game is played. Because this is a "video", it will take slightly longer to download to your computer than it would if it were a single photograph. Once a photograph shows in the blank area below, please follow these instructions.
To see and hear how the game is played, move your cursor onto the video and click on the controls in the lower left corner of the video. Moving your mouse away from the video removes the controls.
If your wondering how the outdoor track for the game of Snowsnake is made, snow is piled up into a mound for a number of feet, and then a log is dragged through the top of the mound to make the track.
The photograph above is of a Snowsnake made from a kit that is sold for use of youth groups and school classes. It can be used both outdoors on an icy surface, or indoors on a gym floor. For more information about these kits, go to: www.snowsnakeracers.com.
Last update March 2, 2010