Yard Games

Cuffum (Water Slapping)

A rhythmic game played by children swimming in rivers, seas, or deep gullies.

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Category
Yard Games
Materials
None (requires a natural body of water).

How It's Played

A rhythmic game played by children swimming in rivers, seas, or deep gullies. By cupping their hands in a specific configuration and striking the surface of the water with force, players create distinct, deep, hollow percussive notes. Children compete to see who can create the loudest resonance or maintain a steady reggae or mento drumbeat in the water.

Cultural Roots

Showcases a creative mastery of the natural environment, turning bodies of water into acoustic musical spaces using specialized physical techniques passed down through generations.

Did You Play Cuffum (Water Slapping)?

Wherever you grew up — Kingston, Montego Bay, Brooklyn, Toronto, London, Miami — if you remember playing this, we want to hear from you. Send us your story, your photos, or an old video. Every submission helps preserve this game for the next generation.

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