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The Material Culture of the Cook Islands (Aitutaki)

Jackstones, Pere

Jackstones, Pere.

This very old game is played with the stones of the candle nut, tuitui, which are of a convenient and suitable size. A large number of stones are used. The game is played by two or by two pairs of partners.

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The principle of the game is to pick up all the stones from the ground in stages whilst one stone is in the air. The first movement is to toss ail the stones in the air and catch as many as possible on the back of the right hand. Those caught are transferred to the left hand as being out of the game, with the exception of one which is used for tossing. All the stones on the ground have to be picked up whilst the tossed stone is in the air. After picking up any stones from the ground, the tossed stone must be caught in the right hand. If the tossed stone is missed in its descent, or the player does not pick up any stones from the ground ere the tossed stone is caught, the player loses his turn. If the player picks up all the stones without a mistake, that counts one point. The player went on making points until he missed. The winning score was fifteen. With partners, the count went on from where the other left off.

The game consisted of a number of different figures which have to be executed in turn. The first player takes up all the stones in both hands. He throws them all up, but not too high. He quickly turns the back of the right hand upwards, making it as hollow as possible, in order to catch as many stones as he can. No player can catch all the stones in one catch, as the hand is not large enough. All the stones caught are transferred to the left hand and are out of the game. A figure is nominated and the game proceeds from figure to figure until a mistake is made, when the turn passes. The various figures are:—

(1)

Pere takitahi.

The stones on the ground have to be picked up singly. One of the stones caught on the back of the hand, is tossed up in the air. The player picks up one stone from the ground with the right hand. The right hand is quickly turned palm upwards to catch the descending stone. One of the two is transferred to the left hand out of the way. The other is tossed up and another stone picked up off the ground and the descending stone caught. In the single stone pick up, only the stone picked up must be touched. Where two stones are lying close together much deftness must be exercised in picking it up neatly without moving the other. If another stone is moved, the player forfeits his turn. If the figure is completed without a mistake, the player goes on to the next figure.

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(2.)

Pere hakatau mata.

The player must not look at the stones on the ground whilst he is picking them up. The player has a good look at the position of the stones on the ground before the single stone is tossed in the air. Once the stone is tossed the player must keep the face averted. (3.) Pere ope.

The stones must be picked up in twos or fours. Any odd number forfeits the turn.

(4.)

Pere puta.

After picking up a stone the right hand must be closed so as to make a hole, puta, with the thumb and forefinger. The descending stone must be caught in this puta, and not in the palm.

(5.)

Pere aro rahi.

The descending stone must be caught on the palm or surface of the fingers, with the back of the hand twisted towards the player. This position is always associated, amongst civilised communities, with the position of the hand of a waiter when surreptitiously accepting a tip. When the author first saw this movement, he was relieved to find that it was merely waiting for the descending stone.

(6.)

Pere pingohi.

The stone is picked up between the fore and middle fingers, which are pushed along the ground, with their backs towards it.

(7.)

Pere kare e tangi.

When the stone is picked up off the ground and lies in the right palm, the descending stone must not strike it. Thus the name of the movement is, "The movement that must not make a sound."

(8.)

Pere tukituki.

As each stone is picked up off the ground it must be tapped twice on the ground ere the descending stone is caught.

When a player takes his turn, he does not have to toss all the stones in the first movement, but only those on the ground that have been left by the previous player, when he made a mistake.

The game teaches quickness of eye and dexterity of movement. It is now mostly played by women, and is pleasing to watch.

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