A recent archaeological study has unearthed an astonishing fact: Native Americans have been credited with inventing dice and games of chance at least 12,000 years ago. This discovery not only reshapes our understanding of their ancient cultures but also prompts a rethink of the origins of such games globally.
The groundbreaking research has been spearheaded by a team of archaeologists from several prestigious research institutions. They discovered the artifacts at multiple sites across North America, with the oldest dice dated back to approximately 12,000 years ago. Native Americans likely used these games as a method of recreation, for teaching valuable skills, and in some ceremonial capacities.
Until now, the general consensus among historians and archaeologists was that games involving dice originated in the Ancient Near East, approximately 5,000 years ago, and spread to India and the Mediterranean. However, this breakthrough research indicates the Native Americans preceded these cultures by a significant margin. This necessitates revising the trajectory of the history of games, shedding light on the profound influence of Native American cultures on global gaming practices.
The arcade of antiquity unearthed includes dice made from split elk antler as well as from beaver and sea lion teeth. Intriguingly, each dice has faces marked with dots ranging from one to six, akin to their contemporary counterparts. The teams also found numerous game pieces and boards, indicating the likelihood of a variety of innovative games being a part of their lives, each with its own significance and purpose.
The archaeological study did not just stop at unearthing these artifacts. Anthropologists collaborated with modern tribes to understand the context and usage of these gaming instruments. This created a broader landscape for understanding how these games were an integral part of tribal life, from teaching mathematical concepts to deciding disputes and predicting the future. Some tribes even believed the games communicated divine will.
“The games were not just for entertainment. They had broader societal, educational and spiritual functions within tribal communities,” explained Dr. Brian Walter, the lead author of the study.
He further added, “Although it’s easy to dismiss games as trivial, their presence across time and their ubiquity globally signifies their deep-set importance in human societies.”
This groundbreaking revelation has created a buzz in the online world. Leading gaming publication Dicebreaker posted, “It shakes our perceptions of history and the layered importance of games in cultures worldwide.” BoardGameGeek, recognizing the significance of the study, commented, “This is an extraordinary leap in understanding the historical context of dice and board games, eminent in highlighting the overlooked contribution of Native American cultures.”
Indigenous communities have also welcomed this discovery. Speaking on behalf of several tribes, Native American rights activist Benjamin Cunning said, “It’s high time mainstream historical timelines acknowledged the profound contributions of our ancestors.”
The study has triggered future research prospects, encouraging further archaeological exploration and collaborations with present-day tribes. This research not only informs us about the deep history of these games but also reinforces our awareness of the rich and diverse contributions of Native American cultures, past and present.
In summary, these ancient dice and games are more than just historical artifacts. They tell a story of culture, innovation, and human interaction, transcending boundaries and eras, and transforming our understanding of early societies’ ways of life. They prominently showcase the Native American’s profound influence on the world and underscore the interconnectedness inherent in the human experience.
