A roll of the Waltes dice: how an ancient Mi’kmaq game is making a comeback – The Chronicle Herald

March 10, 2016

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — Legend has it that the ancient Mi’kmaq dice-and-bowl game of Waltes was so much fun it was favoured by the spirit world.

Pronounced WALT’-iss, the game was exciting, fast-moving and often played to celebrate weddings and liven up long winter evenings.

“It changes so quick,” said Kerry Prosper, whose family still has his great grandmother’s Waltes set, featuring a 250-year-old bowl. “It gets people’s spirits up.”

The game, which has variations once played by aboriginal people throughout North America, is believed to date from long before contact with Europeans.

Read More: http://www.thechronicleherald.ca/canada/1348196-a-roll-of-the-waltes-dice-how-an-ancient-mikmaq-game-is-making-a-comeback