Hobbies And Interests
Educational Toys
A young boy might be given a small bow and arrow, or blow pipe, with which to practice hunting skills that he'd need as an adult. Darts and arrows were used to bring down game, and since men were expected to provide meat for the family, a young boy would need to develop keen hunting skills. The Cherokee were also formidable warriors and used archery and poisoned darts in battle.
Cornhusk Dolls
Little girls were often given dolls made of corn husks or corn cobs. Such dolls might be assembled using pine straw, fur, beads, cloth or human hair. According to custom, no face would be drawn on the doll. Mothers would tell their children the story of the beautiful doll who was so vain, the Creator took her face and reflection to punish her. Children were taught that no one person should think themselves better than any other.
Chunkey
Chunkey is an ancient game traditionally played by Cherokees, as well as other native American tribes. It was played by two contestants, one of whom rolled a large stone disc over a flat, hard surface. The two contestants then threw spears to estimate where the stone would stop rolling. The player whose spear was closest to the stone when it stopped, won the game. Both men and older boys played chunkey.
Hoop and Darts
Cherokee children played hoop-and-dart games in which a hoop was sent rolling willy-nilly in front of players. Players did their best to successfully throw darts through the hoop while it was still moving. While the game was no doubt lots of fun, it also honed important skills for boys, since darts were used in hunting and in war.