Svaika

Svaika (Russian: Свайка, IPA: [ˈsvajkə], lit. 'marlinspike') is a throwing game that was a favorite 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.

Men throwing marlinspike, about 1800

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

References
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Svaika.
  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 video
video icon Svaika game
video icon Making a spear for the game
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.