It would be safe to assume that the most popular sport in South America is fútbol, or in the United States, soccer. However, as we explore the different countries of South America, we see each has a rich history of popular traditional or indigenous sports. The country of Columbia is no different. When one travels to Columbia, especially Turmequé, Boyaca, one will come across the sport of Tejo (sometimes called Turmequé after the town). Often described as a sport of gunpowder and beer, it is a skill-based projectile tossing sport similar to games like horseshoes, cornhole, or even bowling to a degree. However, this popular game is a Columbian original with an ancient past and questionable future.

There are disputes over the origins of Tejo, but there seem to be some overlapping themes that may point to the truth of the sport’s origin. Through archaeological evidence, we can deduce that native indigenous Columbians played a version of this game at least 500 years ago. It appears that the throwing object may have been made of gold, indicating the importance of the game, which we might infer had former religious significance or was associated with cultural celebrations. According to Steve Craig, the author of Sports and Games of the Ancients, this game may have been played by the Chibcha people well before the pre-Columbian period.

Unfortunately, you will not find the use of gold discs anymore due to the Spanish conquistadores and their aggressive effort to extract precious metals and resources from the area. Instead, the game would transition to using a stone and later a metal puck or disc called a Tejo, which is the name of the sport. However, it is a miracle that the game survived this tumultuous time since there was active resistance to the game from the Spaniards through theft and religious pressure from the Catholic Church. In addition, it was proclaimed the “Devil’s Game” due to the imbibing of Chicha, a traditional alcoholic drink, by sport was banned as natives underwent forced conversion. However, a peculiar feature of the game may have saved it from being wholly banished: the use of gunpowder brought by the Spaniards. Around the target, one will find triangular paper containers holding gunpowder called mechas. When the Tejo hits one, the friction heat causes the gunpowder to ignite, causing a small explosion reminiscent of a 22-caliber pistol. The popping explosion sounds, similar to fireworks used for various celebrations, allowed the game to be played after ceremonies and holidays, ensuring the game’s survival.

The game is played by tossing the Tejo at a target (bocín) on a board covered with clay and four mechas. The distance is around 18.5 meters from target to target, a considerable distance to throw a half-kilogram metal Tejo. The tabla is a wooden frame that holds the board and clay for the Tejo to impact, similar to a cornhole set minus the clay. Depending on the consistency of the clay, the Tejo should stick impact unless it hits a mecha, which may cause it to rebound. Depending on where the Tejo lands on the target determines the points scored. Interestingly, what would be considered a “bullseye,” called a moñona, where the Tejo lands perfectly inside the bocín, is not the highest point shot. Instead, if the Tejo is inside the bocín and impacts, a mecha is the best shot in the game.

In the past, professional Tejo players could make a living by playing the game. While there are still professional Tejo teams in and around major cities, winning prizes include trophies, medals, household items, and money, but not to the degree they used to get. The money within the sport has declined as fewer companies and patrons support it due to its association with alcohol. However, the sport has always had a component of imbibing alcohol, as indigenous Columbians used to drink Chicha, an alcoholic drink made from maize. In modern times, beer has taken over the sport, so much so that most Tejo courts feel more like bars. In fact, most don’t even charge to play Tejo as long as the players are drinking beer. The obvious problem is that this aspect of the sport may turn off underage players or those not interested in drinking. While the copious beer drinking makes the game fun for many people, especially international travelers looking for an authentic Columbian experience, it hurts its chance of being considered for Olympic Competitions.

It is the question of alcohol that may determine the ultimate fate of Tejo. Almost every Colombian has played Tejo at some point, starting with a non-explosive version in elementary school and going to senior citizen homes. As with all skill-based sports like bowling or golf, they can be enjoyed by all ages and athletic abilities since there is typically no defense or taxing physical demand on the player. Instead, ultimate concentration and the perfection of a specific movement are required for mastery. Unfortunately, while all can play the sport, the drinking culture associated with the sport diminishes its playing population. Tejo was named Columbia’s national sport in the year 2000. However, suppose younger generations are not encouraged to play. In that case, the sport will become less a celebration of indigenous culture and more a cultural curiosity involving copious amounts of alcohol.

For the version of Tejo that we play, we will practice the skill of Frisbee throwing. However, this game does lend itself to practicing other target-tossing games like cornhole. I chose Frisbee because the Frisbee disc more closely resembles the disc of Tejo. Like Frisbee golf, it has a low entry barrier but enough challenge for even seasoned veteran Frisbee throwers. Tejo was one of my students’ favorites of the year, and I imagine your students will also love it.

Materials: 

·      An ample open space (such as a gym or field)

·      Two to four Frisbees based on the number of students in the lesson (about 4-5 students per disc)

·      Hula-Hoops

·      Hula-Hoop holders

·      Rubber disc dots

Number of Students: This game could be played with as few as one students but would work better with at least a couple. However, larger classes of 20+ can be easily split into teams.

Age: All Ages