448 SIGN LANGUAGE AMONG NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS. 
scending to our small boys from antiquity. The separate motion of the 
fingers in the vulgar gesture as used in our eastern cities is, however, 
more nearly correlated with some of the Indian signs for fool, one of 
which is the same as that for Kaiowa, see TRIBAL Siens. It may be 
noted that the Latin “ sagax,” from which is derived “ sagacity,” was 
chiefly used to denote the keen scent of dogs, so there is a relation 
established between the nasal organ and wisdom or its absence, and that 
“ suspendere naso” was a classic phrase for hoaxing. The Italian ex- 
pressions “ restare con un palmo di naso,” “con tanto di naso,” etc., men- 
tioned by the canon De Jorio, refer to the same vulgar gesture in 
which the face is supposed to be thrust forward sillily. Further re- 
marks connected with this sign appear on pp, 304, 305, supra. 
Extend the open hand perpendicularly with the palm outward, and 
move it from side to side several times. ( Wied.) This sign is still 
used. For “outward,” however, I would substitute “forward.” The 
hand is usually, but not always, held before the face. (Matthews.) 
This is not the sign for question, but is used to attract attention before 
commencing a conversation or any other time during the talk, when 
found necessary. (JcChesney.) With due deference to Dr. McChesney, 
this is the sign for question, as used by many tribes, and especially Da- 
kotas. The Prince of Wied probably intended to convey the motion of 
forward, to the front, when he said outward. In making the sign for 
attention the hand is held more nearly horizontal, and is directed toward 
the individual whose attention is desired. (Hoffman.) 
Right hand in front of right side of body, forearm horizontal, palm 
of hand to the left, fingers extended, joined and horizontal, thumb ex- 
tending upward naturally, turn hand to the left about 60°, then resume 
first position. Continue this motion for about two to four seconds, de- 
pending on earnestness of inquiry. (Creel.) 
Right hand, fingers pointing upward, palm outward, elevated to the 
level of the shoulder, extended toward the person addressed, and slightly 
shaken from side to side. (Cheyenne II.) 
Hold the elbow of the right arm against the side, extending the right 
hand, palm inward, with all the fingers straight joined, as far as may 
be, while the elbow remains fixed against the side; then turn the ex- 
tended hand to the right and left, repeating this movement several 
times, being performed by the muscles of the arm. (Sac, Fox, and 
Kickapoo I.) 
Place the flat and extended right hand, palm forward, about twelve 
inches in front of and as high as the shoulder, then shake the hand from 
side to side as it is moved upward and forward. (Apachel.) See Fig. 
304, in TENDOY-HUERITO DIALOGUE, p. 486. This may be compared 
with the ancient Greek sign, Fig. 67, and with the modern Neapolitan 
sign, Fig. 70, both of which are discussed on p. 291, supra. 
