Ancient Nūu Savi Sport Thrives Among Indigenous Peoples
Game On: Seku, a thrilling Mixtec tradition
By Verónica Aguilar (Ñuu Savi, CS Staff)
Under the cloak of night, a fiery ball dances across the rough terrain, guided by the deft hands of players and the fickle winds. The stage is set, Lit by the flickering embers of the seku ball, the game unfolds with shouts, cheers, and the occasional hiccup — be it a bruise, a scrape, or a slip on the jagged stones. But fear not, for this is not a tale of peril; it's a story of grit, camaraderie, and an undying spirit that defines Seku — a unique sport native to the Nuu Savi communities of Mexico.
The name Seku originates from the twisted stick used to strike the ball, a symbol of strength and resilience, much like the game itself. Intense preparation goes into shaping the seku and the balls — made from the porous, spongy wood of the tusava tree — ensuring they are perfectly balanced and durable enough to withstand the intensity of play.
The field, free from any boundaries, is chosen at random, reflecting the free-spirited nature of the game. But before the game begins, a sacred ritual is performed to ask permission from the Earth and to ensure the safety of all players. Mezcal is sprinkled around the perimeter and in the center of the field, and a fire is lit under the balls to ignite them. The objective is simple: to carry the flaming ball to the opposing goal.
The game of Seku may have a spiritual significance, though the exact reasons are lost to time. Anthropologist Omar Aguilar Sánchez speculates that the use of fire could hold some secret meaning, but no definitive answers have been found. Today, Seku is played more as a sport, complete with tournaments during the holidays in many Nuu Savi communities. Similar games are also enjoyed by the Purépecha people.
Seku is a game whose very existence hangs in the balance, as the communities where it is still played are scattered across vast distances. It's believed that Seku was once played in many more communities and might even have been present in other parts of southern Mexico. But despite the challenges posed by modernization and colonialism, Seku remains an emblem of identity and unity in the close-knit Nuu Savi communities of San Juan Mixtepec. Let's hope that the flame of this ancient tradition will continue to burn bright in the hearts and minds of future generations, keeping the spirit of Seku alive for years to come.
Seku is a significant part of the rich cultural tapestry of Mexico, with roots deep within the indigenous Nuu Savi community. The game symbolizes unity, learning, and resilience, acting as a beacon of cultural pride in a rapidly changing world. As these communities share their unique customs and stories, Seku stands as a testament to the strength and persistence of indigenous heritage in Mexico.
Seku, with its origins in the Nuu Savi communities, is a unique form of sports incorporating football-like play with a flaming ball, symbolizing unity, learning, and resilience within the indigenous Mexican culture. It serves as a potent emblem of cultural pride and a reminder of the enduring spirit of indigenous heritage in Mexico as these traditions are shared and preserved.
