The Handgame of the Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache: Spirited Competition on the Southern Plains

Explore the profound cultural significance of the North American handgame, a tradition central to Native American life for centuries. This game transcends mere recreation, serving as a vital conduit for oral traditions, myths, and social history.

William C. Meadows's The Handgame of the Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache: Spirited Competition on the Southern Plains offers a deep dive into this captivating practice. Through extensive ethnographic fieldwork and archival research, Meadows charts the game's journey from a winter pastime to its integral role in contemporary Native American communities, including school teams and tournaments. This insightful work examines the handgame's intricate connections to language, gender, economics, and tribal sovereignty.

Meadows compellingly argues for the handgame's significance, positioning it alongside powwows and stickball as a cornerstone in maintaining American Indian culture and identity. Discover the history and enduring spirit of this infectious tradition. This essential volume is a must-read for anyone interested in Powerful Indigenous Stories, Race And Identity, and Social Justice.