Eskimo String Figures 



69 b 



As you navaho the thumbs two horizontal strings are thrown over all the 

 strings to the back. Seize both of these with the right index and middle finger, 

 draw them down behind all the strings to the bottom, then, removing the thumb 

 loops to the indices, insert the thumbs into them from below so that there are 

 two loops on each thumb. 



With the thumbs from the proximal side take up the radial index strings, 

 navaho the thumbs, drop the index loops, and transfer the thumb loops to the 

 indices. 



At the bottom of the figure two strings, one on each side, run from the 

 radiar little finger strings to loop round the lower transverse string about the 

 middle of its course. 



Take each up between the radial and ulnar little finger strings with the backs 

 of the thumbs from the proximal side, then take up the radial index strings. 

 Navaho the thumbs and drop the index loops. 



At the back of the figure there is on each side a string which runs from the 

 radial to the ulnar little finger strings, after which it continues up to loop round 

 the upper transverse string. 



Pass the indices down on the distal side of all the strings and take up with 

 the palm of each this string where it passes between the radial and ulnar little 

 finger strings; then with the palms of the indices from the distal side draw the 

 radial thumb strings through the index loops, thereby navahoing the indices. 



Drop the thumb loops. You have "the two bull caribou," one on each 

 side, facing in opposite directions. 



Fig. 76 



LVI. The Two Mountain Sheep 



This figure is a modification or continuation of the preceding figure, "two 

 bull caribou." It is known to the Eskimos of the Mackenzie delta, Coronation 

 gulf, west coast of Hudson bay, and Cumberland sound. The Mackenzie delta 

 natives call it imne-k, "two mountain sheep," and produce it by branching off 

 during the early stages in the making of the "two bull caribou." The Coron- 

 ation gulf Eskimos call it aqed'yoatdak, "the stomach of a caribou," and develop 

 it from the final figure in the "two bull caribou." I do not know how it is pro- 

 duced by the eastern Eskimos; the Hudson bay natives call it "seal entrails," 

 and those of Cumberland sound acleheyawatchea, the meaning of which is un- 

 known to me. 



