MER KAI
An Indigenous Australian Game
Country of Origin
The game ‘Mer Kai’
originated from
Australia and was
invented by its
Indigenous peoples.
The game may be
interpreted as
‘hacky sack’
however the name
‘Mer Kai’ is the
traditional name of
the game.
Coordinates: 28o48’29.81”S
141o16’30.58”E
Resources
• One scrunched up ball of paper. This could be made
from either tissue, butcher’s paper or printing paper.
• The original game states that the ball is made from
possum or kangaroo skin as these were the available
resources for the Indigenous peoples of Australia for
thousands of years.
• To cater for modern standards, natural materials that
are not harmful to the environment will be used
instead.
Rules
• This game requires two or more players.
• One player throws the ball high in the air, and the opposing player/s
must then kick the ball with the side or heal of their foot to keep it
in the air.
• Whoever is closest to the ball is the next player to kick it.
• Players may stand close together, in a circle or far apart in order to
play the game.
• Players who miss the ball and are unable to kick it to keep it in the
air are out.
• Goal: To keep the ball in the air.
• Where: This game may be played in any open space that allows for
players to move around easily. This may include a field, hall or park.
In this picture, players are seen standing in a circle while
one of the players braces themselves to kick the ball
back into the air.
Finding Resources
• In order to find resources for ‘Mer Kai’, the materials needed to be
considered ‘bouncy’ or easily kicked before using them.
• The resources also needed to be natural and therefore not made of
plastic or any other non-biodegradable materials.
• Paper was the chosen material for making a simple ball to use
because there are many different types of paper that can be used
and it is a resource that is not harmful to the environment.
• Instead of being scrunched up, the ball could also be glued or sewn
together to make a more stable structure.
Bibliography
• Australian Government. (2008). Mer kai. Retrieved from
http://www.ausport.gov.au/participating/indigenous/games_and_ac
tivities/individual_games/ball_games/mer_kai.pdf
• Australian Government. (2008). Yulunga: Traditional Indigenous
games. Retrieved from http://www.royalfarwes.schools.nsw.edu.au/documents/19016004/19016357/Yulunga%20Gr
ade%20K-3.pdf
• City of Yarra. (2010). Indigenous sporting heroes. Retrieved from
http://lrd.kangan.edu.au/indigenous%20sporting%20heros/start/inde
x.htm
• Creative Spirits. (2014). Traditional Aboriginal games and activities.
Retrieved from
http://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/sport/traditionalaboriginal-games-activities