Bagese: The Bowl Game

 Bagese (or Bowl Game) is one of many Anishinaabe games of chance. The word Bagese is the verb “to throw” in the Ojibwe language. It is in reference to the dice going into the air when playing this game. Bagese can be played by two or more individuals. Not only is this a game of amusement and gambling, but in some communities it carries spiritual teachings and is brought out at various times to appease those spirits.

Traditionally, Bagese is played using 13 counters of bone carved into various shapes like men, snakes, war clubs, fish and ducks, along with four circular brass counters. These are thrown from a bowl, and a score is derived from the way in which they fall.