550 ARTS AND CRAFTS OF GUIANA INDIANS [ETH. ANN. 38 
713. To remove the figure from off the bowstring without untying 
the latter (Ara., Pat., Mak., Wap.) (fig. 329).—The two pieces consti- 
tuting the lower figure are usually cut out of some tough leaf palm. 
The solution is easily found by bending the bow and pulling the 
string through the aperture in the crosspiece. 
714. To remove the endless string that has been placed through 
three holes on each of two sticks (figs. 330, 331).—The use of this 
puzzle has been recorded from the Carib (WER, v1, sec. 109). It 
is employed by Patamona and Makusi for similar purposes. 
Solution: On either stick pull the end of the string out from the 
middle hole, then in through the top one, right over the whole of 
the other stick and intervening string and out again. 
715. To open two locked sticks (fig. 332).—The Patamona and 
Wapishana may employ this in circumstances similar to the preced- 
ing. Taking a convenient length of soft leafstalk, preferably plan- 
tain or banana, it is split lengthwise and the flat surface of one half 
carefully excavated in the center (4). By diligently incising on the 
convex surface (B), picking away here, and paring off there, the 
strip can gradually be split into two, which interlock (C). The 
puzzle is to unlock them without breaking, a feat which, it is hardly 
necessary to say, 1s impossible. 
