mud-and-willow

Updated: July 6, 2025

Shinny, such as is enjoyed by white boys on the ice, is still played on the open prairie by the western Sioux. The "moccasin game," although sometimes played by the boys, was intended mainly for adults. The "mud-and-willow" fight was rather a severe and dangerous sport.

Charles Alexander Eastman - Indian Boyhood

Last of all came the swimming. A little urchin would hang to his pony's long tail, while the latter, with only his head above water, glided sportively along. Finally the animals were driven into a fine field of grass and we turned our attention to other games. The "mud-and-willow" fight was rather a severe and dangerous sport.

Charles Alexander Eastman - Indian Child Life