Jump to content

Svaika

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Solaire the knight (talk | contribs) at 07:34, 22 September 2018. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Men throwing marlinspike, about 1800

Svaika (Russian: Свайка, IPA: [ˈsvajkə], lit. 'marlinspike') was a favorite throwing game of Russian lower-class men up to the 20th century. It is a game in which a marlinspike-like spear is thrown to land in the middle of a metal ring lying on the ground some distance away.[1] A tool for the game can weigh up to five pounds.

By one version, Tsarevich Dmitry died from a stab wound while he was playing this game.[2]

References

  1. ^ Riordan, James Sport in Soviet Society: Development of Sport and Physical Education in Russia and the USSR. Cambridge: Cambtidge University Press, 1977. Page 30
  2. ^ Скрынников, Р.Г. Самозванцы в России в начале XVII века. Григорий Отрепьев. - С. 14
External videos
video icon Svaika game
video icon Making a spear for the game