purupinta

Purupinta is a circle drawing game that originated in the Marshall Islands. The game is typically played by two players sitting around a piece of paper on the ground with their hands clasped together.

The players agree on a starting point and the first player is given a piece of chalk, charcoal, or other marking material. The player's hand is free to move, but their fingers must remain clasped. The other player acts as the midpoint, guiding the first player's hand to draw a perfect circle. The players exchange turns, with each player attempting to make a perfect circle.

Purupinta is played for the sake of making a perfect circle, rather than for a specific purpose or time limit. Players continually try to perfect the circle on each turn, striving for accuracy and precision. The game provides a creative outlet and helps to develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

The name "purupinta" roughly translates to "to guide and draw" in the Marshallese language. This translation reflects the game's cooperative nature, where players work together to achieve a shared goal. Games of purupinta are often relaxing and meditative, providing a calming outlet for players.

The game of purupinta has gained popularity in recent years due to its meditative nature and the required coordination between players. It is often taught in schools and re-created in other cultures with similar cooperative atmosphere. Purupinta is a unique and insightful example of how culture and creativity can mobilize cognitive abilities.