Indigenous Peoples Ball and Triangle Game
This Indigenous Peoples Ball and Triangle Game is a simple handmade toy that kids can decorate, assemble, and play with afterward. The goal is to swing the bead up and catch it through the center hole of the triangle. It is a fun way to practice concentration, patience, and hand-eye coordination.
This printable craft is a good fit for classroom activities, homeschool lessons, or quiet crafting time at home.
Fun Facts
Many Indigenous communities have long traditions of handmade toys and games that helped children build skills while having fun. Games could teach focus, coordination, balance, and problem solving.
Today, the Bureau of Indian Affairs lists 575 federally recognized Tribes in the United States as of January 30, 2026. Each Tribal Nation has its own history, culture, language, and traditions, so this craft should be used as a general handmade game activity rather than as a representation of one specific Tribe. Source: Bureau of Indian Affairs Tribal Leaders Directory.
Supplies
- Printed double triangle template
- Printed symbol guide
- White cardstock
- Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
- Jute, yarn, or string
- Wooden bead
- Scissors
- Hole punch
- Glue stick
Instructions
- Print the double triangle template on white cardstock.
- Cut out the double triangle shape. Fold it in half along the shared edge, then cut out the center circles.
- Glue the two triangle sides together so the game piece is double thickness. Let the glue dry.
- Use the printed symbol guide for inspiration and decorate both sides of the triangle with markers, crayons, or colored pencils.
- Punch a hole in one corner of the triangle.
- Cut a 12 inch piece of jute, yarn, or string.
- Tie one end of the string through the hole in the triangle. Tie the other end securely to the wooden bead.
- Hold one point of the triangle and gently swing the bead upward. Try to catch the bead through the center hole.
Patterns, Templates and Printables
Click on the patterns to open them in a new window to print.
Teacher Friendly Educational Extension
Use this craft as part of a respectful discussion about how children throughout history have made toys from simple materials found around them. Ask students to compare this handmade game with toys they play with today.
For a writing activity, have students write three sentences explaining how to play the game. Older students can write a short paragraph about why handmade games are still fun and useful.
For a classroom challenge, let students test how many times they can catch the bead in one minute, then record the results on a simple chart. This adds a math connection while keeping the activity playful.
Supplies
Printed Double Triangle
Jute
Wooden Bead
Native American Symbols
Scissors and Hole Punch
Markers
Glue
Instructions
Patterns, Templates and Printables
Click on a pattern to open it in a new window
I like them I am working on a Arrow Head neckless it is brown and I am trying to come up with
The best color for them plus my rattle snake rattler please give me some ideas.