Eskimo String Figures 



55 b 



To disentangle the figure pass the indices into it from the distal side, and 

 raising the two strings which run on each side from the palmar string up to the 

 string that loops round the upper transverse string, draw through with their 

 palms the upper transverse string. 



Remove the index loops to the thumbs and repeat this movement on the 

 distal transverse string. All the loops dissolve. 



XLV. The Gullet 



This figure is called tjxXuayuk by the Barrow and Inland natives, toxXoyyuk 

 by the Mackenzie and Copper. The meaning is the same, "the gullet," probably 

 of a caribou. It is developed among the two latter peoples to produce, in the 

 one case "the scapulae" of the caribou, amongst the Copper natives its "head," 

 although according to some it is the head of a musk-ox, not a caribou. 



Opening A. 



Pass the thumbs over the radial index strings and raise from the proximal 

 side the ulnar little finger strings; then with the backs of the thumbs draw the 

 radial little finger strings through between the radial and ulnar thumb strings, 

 allowing these thumb loops to slip off. 



Point the indices inward and on the distal side of all the strings remove, 

 with the palm of the right index, from the proximal side, the left index loop, 

 then insert the right index into both the left index loops.^ 



Insert the ring and middle fingers into the index loops from the proximal 

 side and hold down with them the ulnar strings while with the backs of the 

 indices you draw through the ulnar thumb strings, thereby navahoing the 

 indices. 



Withdraw the ring and middle fingers. 



You have "the gullet." Spread the fingers with their loops wide apart and 

 "the gullet" is distended; bring them together and "the gullet" is contracted 

 and "starved." 



Fig. 58 



1 In every case of this kind where two loops are combined care muBt be taken, as in the movement of 'katilluik,' 

 to remove that loop which runs inside its companion loop on the opposite finger or thumb. 



