Eskimo String Figures 



4:7 B 



There are two strings, one on each side, running vertically on the proximal 

 side of all the other strings from the upper to the lower transverse strings. Take 

 up each of these strings from the proximal side with the back of the thumb that 

 is nearer to it. 



Katilluik the thumbs, and drop the index loops. 



Insert the middle fingers from the distal side into the thumb loops. 



Looping round the upper transverse string are two "eyes" formed by 

 double strings. 



Pass the indices into these from the distal side, each into the nearer one, 

 and with their palms draw through the upper transverse string. 



Withdraw the thumbs from their loops, retaining the middle fingers there. 

 You have "the snow-shovels" (pikjutak) , according to the Barrow and Inland 

 natives. Drop the middle finger loops and you have "the two eyes," or, accord- 

 ing to the Cape Prince of Wales Eskimo, "the two snow-shovels." 



Fig. 48, "The Two Big Eyes" 



