Eskimo String Figures 59 b 



XLIX. The Bbown Bear Cub 



In this figure, or series of figures, the Inland natives produce successively 

 "a brown bear cub," "a white bear cub," "a young beaver," "a young man," 

 and "a small rope." The whole series goes by the name of the first of these 

 objects, "the brown bear cub" (ayluaiya). The Eskimos of Cape Prince of 

 Wales have a rather similar chant, which is said to accompany a cat's cradle 

 figure, probably the same as this one. A Mackenzie native knew the figures 

 and remembered that there was a chant accompanying them, but could not 

 recall the words. Boas has the first figure, "the brown bear cub," from Cumber- 

 land sound with the name sissiwatto, the meaning of which I do not know. 



Opening A. 



Push the index loops through each other and interchange them on the 

 indices. 



Passing the left thumb over the radial left indej? string remove with it from 

 the distal side the left index loop. 



With the left thumb from the proximal side remove the left little finger loop. 



Pass the left little finger into the left thumb loops from the proximal side 

 and, pushing down all the ulnar strings, allow the lower transverse string to slip 

 off, then hook the little fingers down over it. 



Pass the left index .into the left thumb loops from the distal side and with 

 its palm draw out the upper transverse string. 



Drop the left thumb loops. 



You have now a diamond near the left hand, three sides of which are formed 

 by double strings. 



Pass the left thumb into the left index loop from the proximal side, bend it 

 back to enter the diamond from the distal side and the right thumb loop from 

 the proximal side, and, twisting the back of the left thumb round the radial left 

 index string, draw that string out clear of all the loops. 



With the left thumb from the proximal side take up the radial left index 

 string. 



Drop the right thumb and little finger loops, and taking hold of the radial 

 right index string between the left thumb and index, release the right index. 



Pass the right index into the left thumb loops from the proximal side and 

 draw back with it through the thumb loops its old loop which is being held 

 between the left thumb and index. 



Drop the left thumb loops, so that you have left only a loop on the left 

 index, another on the left little finger, and a third on the right index. 



Circle 'the right index loop twice counter-clockwise and hold it in the right 

 hand. You have "the brown bear cub." 



Fig. 63 



