Lummi Sticks
Mah ku way, ko tay oh
Way, a ko-ee tahn yah
Mah ku way, ko tay oh
Way, a ko-ee tahn yah
From New Zealand
Legends say the Maori people came to New Zealand in the 14th century and brought this game with them.
Lummi sticks are short poles about the thickness of a broom handle, and about 12 -15 inches long.
3/4 inch PVC pipe makes a great substitute, and the girls can each decorate their own set!
BASIC MOVEMENTS:
Down – Tap the sticks on the ground in front of you.
Together – Tap the sticks together.
Right – Tap stick to your right but do not hit your neighbor.
Left – Tap stick to your left but do not hit your neighbor.
Both – Tap sticks at the same time both right and left.
(With partners – one taps to the inside, other to the outside.)
Right/Left – Tap sticks separately, first to the right then left.
Partner – Tap right/left sticks together as indicated by song.
Flip – Gently rotate (flip) stick in your hand ½ way around.
Toss – Gently toss stick to your partner. DO NOT THROW!
Girls sit cross-legged with a partner with sticks placed horizontally in front of them.
“Ready Position” is called when you are ready to start.
The girls pick up their sticks and hold them upright in front of them.
PROGRESSION: This is a series of progressions with each getting a little harder.
Sing the complete chant (both parts) before going on to the next section of the progression.
Do each section of the progression 2 times.
Down, together, right
Down, together, left
Down, together, both
Down, together, R/L
(Repeat)
Down, together, Partner right
Down, together, Partner left
Down, together, Partner both
Down, together, Partner R/L
(Repeat)
Down, together, flip right
Down, together, flip left
Down, together, flip both
Down, together, flip R/L
(Repeat)
Down, together, Partner toss right
Down, together, Partner toss left
Down, together, Partner toss both
Down, together, Partner toss R/L
(Repeat)