kootap

Kootap is a traditional Indigenous board game originating from the First Nations peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America, particularly among the Haida, Tlingit, and other coastal tribes. The game is played on a wooden board featuring a grid of holes, often carved from cedar, and uses small wooden pieces, typically abalone shells or carved tokens, as game pieces.

The objective of Kootap is to capture an opponent's pieces by surrounding them with one's own. Players take turns moving their pieces diagonally across the board, with the goal of encircling and "eating" the opponent's pieces. The game requires strategic planning, as players must anticipate their opponent's moves while protecting their own pieces. Variations of the game exist, with some tribes incorporating additional rules or symbolic elements tied to cultural stories and values.

Kootap holds cultural significance as a means of teaching strategy, patience, and community values. It is often played during gatherings, ceremonies, and celebrations, serving as both a recreational activity and a way to preserve Indigenous traditions. The game's design and rules reflect the resourcefulness and creativity of the peoples who developed it, utilizing natural materials and simple mechanics to create an engaging challenge.

Today, Kootap remains an important part of Indigenous heritage, with efforts by cultural organizations and educators to revive and promote its play among both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Some modern adaptations incorporate educational elements, teaching players about Indigenous history, art, and storytelling alongside the game itself.