1893-94.] THE GESTURE-LANGUAGE OF THE BLACKFEET. 47 



other, as if the heart were swaying and was undecided, and therefore not 

 to be depended upon. 



Aipoyeo^=He is speaking. — The right hand pahn upward brought to- 

 ward the mouth with the fingers pointed outward, until the edge of the 

 hand touches the lower lip, then carried forward from the mouth in a 

 trembling manner, as if carrying the words separately and throwing them 

 out after each other. 



Pistceksena — A snake. — The forefingers of the right hand held hori- 

 zontally and pushed outward with a zig-zag motion made resembling the 

 motion of a snake in crawling. 



Awaseneo = He is iveeping. — The forefingers of both hands held 

 toward the eyes and drawn downward several times, representing tears 

 coursing down the cheeks. 



Friendship is expressed by joining the hands together and shaking 

 them, as a person does in shaking hands with another person. This 

 appears to have been learned from the white people. 



Kitukomimo = I love you. — First the sign for Nistoa is used, then both 

 hands are pressed against the left side in token of endearment, and 

 finally the forefinger of the right hand is pointed toward the person 

 loved. 



Kika = Wait. — Desiring a person riding on the prairie to wait, the 

 Indian holds his right hand open above his head, and then with the 

 fingers pointing upward, the hand is shaken backward and forward while 

 the arm is held firmly in position. 



Nitiigpuina = I am trading. — The left arm bent, hands shut and bent 

 toward the body, the forefingers of both hands extended, the forefinger 

 of right hand placed on top of the left forefinger in the form of a cross. 



Nomilqpiipe = My blood-relation. — -The points of the fingers of the right 

 hand brought together, the tips touching the breast, and then drawn out, 

 representing the act of nursing. 



Nitaikimatapsi = I a^n poor. — The left hand closed, forefinger extended 

 and held toward the body, the right hand closed with forefinger extended 

 and placed upon the left finger, and finally a quick motion repeated by 

 the right forefinger upon the left forefinger toward the finger as one does 

 in sharpening a pencil. 



Noqkokit = Give it to nie. — The right hand open, palm toward the 

 body, and a motion made as if drawing goods toward the person. 



Aoiiqseneo = He is eating. — Both hands held half open toward the 



