456 SIGN LANGUAGE AMONG NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS. 
downward, bring the index against the inner side of the thumb. (Da- 
kota VI, VII, VIII.) Fig. 280. Compare also Fig. 61, p. 286, supra, 
" Quintilian’s sign for approbation. 
The right hand, with the forefinger only ex- 
tended and pointing forward, is held before and 
near the chest. It is then moved forward one or 
two feet, usually with a slight curve downward. 
(Mandan and Hidatsa 1.) 
Bend the right arm, pointing toward the chest 
with the index finger; unbend, throwing the hand 
FIG. 280. up and forward. (Omaha I.) 
Another: Close the three fingers, close the thumb over them, extend 
forefinger, and then shake forward and down. This is more emphatic 
than the preceding, and signifies, Yes, J know. (Omaha 1.) 
The right arm is raised to head with the index finger in type-position 
(I 1), modified by being more opened. From aside the head the hands 
Sweep in a curve to the right ear as of something entering or hearing 
something; the finger is then more open and carried direct to the ground 
as something emphatic or direct. (Oto and Missouri I.) ‘TI hear,’ em- 
phatically symbolized.” It is doubted if this sign is more than an ex- 
pression of understanding which may or may not imply positive assent. 
It would not probably be used as a direct affirmative, for instance, in re- 
sponse to a question. 
The hand open, palm downward, at the level of the breast, is moved 
forward with a quick downward motion from the wrist, imitating a bow 
of the head. (Jroquois I.) 
Throw the closed right hand, with the index extended and bent, as 
high as the face, and let itdrop again naturally; butas the hand reaches 
its greatest elevation the index is fully extended and suddenly drawn 
into the palm, the gesture resembling a beckoning from above toward 
the ground. (Kaiowa 1; Comanche 111; Apache I1; Wichita 11.) 
Quick motion of the right hand forward from the mouth ; first position 
about six inches from the mouth and final as far again away. In first 
position the index finger is extended, the others closed; in final, the 
index loosely closed, thrown in that position as the hand is moved for- 
ward, as though hooking something with it; palm of hand out. (Sahap- 
tin I.) 
Another: Move right hand to a position in front of the body, letting 
arm hang loosely at the side, the thumb standing alone, all fingers 
hooked except forefinger, which is partially extended (EK 1, palm up- 
