148 B 



Canadian Arctic Expedition, 1913-18 



CXXVIII. The Loon (Gavia padfica) 



This Copper Eskimo figure greatly resembles in its movements the cycle 

 of "the sleeper," (No. CXXVII), with which probably it was originally con- 

 nected. The movements are rather intricate and great care must be taken at 

 each stage. The Eskimo name for the figure is maX-eye. 



Opening A. 



With the palms of the indices from above from the distal side take up the 

 upper transverse string, pointing the indices outward. 



Drop the thumb and little finger loops. 



With the backs of the thumbs(from above) take up on one side the proximal 

 radial index string, and on the other side its continuation as the distal ulnar 

 index string (the lower of the two intersecting diagonals). 



With the palms of the middle fingers from below hook down the other 

 diagonal, then push out with their backs the proximal ulnar index string, hold- 

 ing down the diagonal with the little and ring fingers inserted into the middle 

 finger loops from the proximal side. 



With the palms of the middle fingers draw down the distal radial index string. 



Drop the ring and little finger loops and remove the middle finger loop to 

 the little and ring fingers. 



With the backs of the middle fingers push back the proximal ulnar index 

 strings just before they pass round the lower transverse string (it is one and 

 the same string). 



Pointing the middle fingers inward, with the right middle finger from the 

 proximal side remove the left middle finger loop, then insert the left middle 

 finger into both right middle finger loops. 



With the palms of the middle fingers draw through their loops the upper 

 transverse string (with one finger on each side of the loop that passes round it). 



Drop the thumb loops, then take up with the thumbs from the proximal 

 side the proximal radial index string on one side and its continuation as the 

 distal ulnar index string on the other. 



Katilluik the thumbs (the ulnar middle finger loop taking the place in this 

 movement of the radial index string). 



You have "the loon." 



Fig. 195 



CXXIX. The Moon Between the Moifntains 



An Eskimo from Cape Prince of Wales called this figure "the sun rising 

 between the mountains" Xejikcuayuktiyun mdc-uk nuiyoq), while another native 

 from the same place called it ejd taqendiyd, i.e. "the mountains with the sun." 

 By the Barrow and Inland (Colville river) natives, however, it is called "the 



