Eskimo String Figures 



109 b 



XCI. The Turnstone 



This figure is known to the Eskimos of Cape Prince of Wales, of Barrow, 

 and of the Colville river. It was called "rabbit" (ukahq) by a Cape Prince of 

 Wales woman, who went on to produce "the ptarmigan" from it. The Barrow 

 and Inland natives called it "the turnstone" {taUyvajuk) . The movements are 

 all very simple and usual. 



Opening B. 



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

 string. 



With the back of the left little finger from below from the proximal side 

 push back the ulnar left thumb string, then on the distal side of all the strings 

 hook it over the radial index string and hold it firmly against the palm. 



Pass the palm of the left thumb down, pressing its ulnar string before it, 

 then point it inwards so that it takes up this loop. 



Drop the right thmnb loop, insert the other three fingers of the right hand 

 into the right index loop from the proximal side, and turn the knuckles inward. 

 Drop the left little finger loop. 



You have "the turnstone." 



Fig. 138 



The Cape Prince of Wales woman, who called this figure "rabbit," then 

 proceeded to drop the right hand loop and pulled out the lower transverse 

 string from between the two pairs of strings that loop round it. Thus she 

 obtained "the ptarmigan" (aqayyiq). 



Fig. 139 



