Number 2, tree branch. Out in the back yard this oak tree hangs over the deck, we use it for the hummingbird feeders.
Number 3, game. This is a sapo game from Peru. (I added a little colored pencil to divide it up a little) It is played in Bolivia as well. It is 42 inches high and 24 inches square made of wood with a leather top. It has holes in the top and you toss 12 heavy tokens made of brass at the top from twelve to fifteen feet away. If the tokens fall in the holes they fall down into the boxes below for you to accumulate your points. The frogs mouth you yell "Sapo" and get 2,000 points. The holes with the brass blades are 1,000. The holes close to the frog are the least and the others fall into the second row of boxes for various amounts, 300 being the lowest. You play to a set number of points decided on among the players. Other players must not interfere with the person tossing the tokens and no token can be tossed more than once per turn.The instructions have this history:
Ancient legend tells that in the Inca sacred lake, the Titicaca, there evolved a mystical game, that with the passage of time was made into a festival. "El Sapu" (the frog) was the main character in the exciting game where the Inca, son of the sun, would throw the luck with his court.
In those times, the royal family would throw gold pieces in the lake, with the hopes of catching some frog's attention, who were known for their magical powers. If a frog came to the surface and took in his mouth a gold piece, instantly the player was awarded a wish and the frog turned into solid gold.
In honor of so many wishes becoming reality, the Inca ordered a great golden frog made, for all of royalty to enjoy. It was a game of suspense and dexterity, where dance and happiness would mix in one rite: Pukllay Sapu (Playing Sapo, or Frog) (Taken from the website of www.SapoMiami.com)
If you are interested in having one of these games you can check them out at www.SapoMiami.com
Earlier in the day, Gene framed and packaged the saguaro painting, Reaching for the Sky, to ship to Peppers in Magdalena. He also packed the New Mexico Windmill to send to the purchaser in Albuquerque. What would I do without Gene's support? I would still be wrapping and they are already on the way. While he framed, I made the labels, thank you card, receipts, etc.
I also send a yapa when someone buys a painting. This word is used in Bolivia, Peru and Argentina, meaning "a little extra." Whenever you buy something in the market you usually get a yapa. For example in Bolivia, if you bought a sweater in a store they might give you a little woven doll. If you bought carrots at the market, they might give you an onion. I delighted in that tradition, so I always give a yapa with a purchase. I also give some of my profit to Para Los Niños in Bolivia. It is an agency that helps several of the orphanages with milk money, renovations and more. 100% of the money goes to help, it is run by volunteers.
2 comments:
By way of clarification, you throw the twelve brass tokens one at a time. The game is normally played during afternoon barbecue get together in someones back yard much like here in the states with a bit of a twist which I learned about the hard way in Bolivia. There is always drinking involved, usually beer but quite often scotch. The high score in each round has to drink his drink dry (Seco). I was allowed to win several rounds the first time I played, what I did not notice was that my Bolivian friends made sure my glass was always full so I downed a full glass each time my turn came up. The game takes a long time to play because the number of players is unlimited and they usually set the winning score at 10,000 points, or some such ridiculous number. Needless to say they got me pretty drunk the first time I played. I learned to make sure my buddies stayed away from my drink glass after the first time out.
One other observation, you mention or the rules mention Late Titicaca. The lake is shared by Bolivia and Peru. The Bolivians say the titi is in Bolivia and the caca is in Peru. The opposite is true when you are in Peru.
Gene, Ha, I guess throwing all twelve tokens could be dangerous! LOL They probably weigh a pound in one handful don't they?? Well, the drinking could be very dangerous, too!
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