150 b 



Canadian Arctic Expedition, 1913-18 



CXXXI. Two Rats on a Log 



This figure was learned from some Indian point Eskimos who called it "two 

 rats on a log." A Cape Prince of Wales woman called it "two dogs" {qim-iayuk) . 

 I have not seen it elsewhere. In its opening it resembles "the sleeper" (No. 

 CXXVII), while the later stages are common in many Eskimo figures. 



Wind the string once round the left index, holding the remainder of the 

 string in the palms of the hands. 



Insert the right index into the left index loop from the proximal side and 

 separate the hands. 



Circle the indices counter-clockwise {i.e. upward, inward, downward and 

 outward) so that they take up at the same time the radial ring or middle finger 

 strings, then drop all but the index loops. 



Pass the thumbs over the proximal radial index strings and take up from 

 the proximal side the proximal ulnar index strings. 



With the backs of the little fingers from below push out the proximal radial 

 and distal ulnar index strings, then hook them down over the distal radial 

 string (the transverse string). 



Point the indices inward and with the left index from the proximal side re- 

 move the distal right index loop; then insert the right index into both the left 

 index loops from the proximal side. 



With the backs of the indices draw through the radial thumb strings, thereby 

 dropping the two distal index loops. 



Drop the thumb loops, navaho the indices, and invert the index loops so 

 as to make them straight. 



You have "the two rats." Say: 



apayauyaqak unaqcim qaiyani pikaqcitaXjd 



"Two rats a stick on top of it they jump up." 



At the last words insert the thumbs into the figure from the proximal side 

 just above the lower transverse string in the middle and drop the little finger 

 loops. You have "the two rats on the log." 



Fig. 198 



The Cape Prince of Wales woman said qoa just before this last movement, 

 when the dogs appeared on top of a hill. 



