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Sally Wilkins |
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Writer-Researcher-Speaker |
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About Sally |
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Sally Wilkins is a writer who loves research. This is still a bit of a shock to her, since when she was in school, she disliked both.
Her teachers must have done something right, however, as she has been happily researching and writing ever since graduation.
Sally lives in New Hampshire where she and her husband keep a small homestead.
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About Sports and Games in Human History |
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(From the introduction to Sports and Games of Medieval History)
The history of humankind and the history of play are inextricably linked. Chase-and-capture games preserve the fears of our ancestors, preyed upon by lions or wolves. Arch and trap games, such as “London Bridge,” marbles and tops, hoops, keep-away and keep-aloft games are found on every continent.
As individuals get older their games become more complex. So too, it seems, as cultures develop. Rules can be as simple as “when I shoot you, you have to fall down” or as complex as the elaborate rituals of mahjong or cricket. Primitive people seem to play relatively simple games, while more developed peoples have played more complex games. On the other hand, primitive peoples play more. At one time scientists assumed that modern people would have more leisure, and therefore more play, as they spent less time securing food and shelter. The truth seems to be that as people spend less time filling their basic needs, their lives become more complex, with less time for strictly leisure activities.
In primitive societies, sports are for everyone: grannies and toddlers played palitún, bowgitee and even campball. As sports grew more complicated they often became a profession for the few, providing entertainment for the many. When training in the ancient skills of warfare and hunting were transformed into sports competitions, the same young men who would have been hunters and soldiers became athletes.
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Sally Wilkins is a former teacher and the author of numerous non-fiction books. She will design a games program or a writing workshopfor your class or school. |
