EsKimo String Figures 



157 b 



Pass the indices into the thumb loops from the distal side and with their 

 paln:s draw through the upper transverse string. 

 Drop the thumb loops. 

 You have "two diamonds," producing a cross in the middle. 



Fig. 206 



■ CXXXVII. The Polar Bear 



This figure is called ndnoq, "polar bear," all along the coast from Barrow 

 to Coronation gulf. Boas has the same figure, with the same name, from the 

 west coast of Hudson bay and from Cumberland sound, Baffin island; and 

 Kroeber found the same name for it among the Eskimos of Smith sound. 



Make "the two diamonds" (fig. 206). 



Take up with each thumb from the proximal side the top outer string of 

 the nearer diamond and katilluik. 



Two intersecting strings now run from the right palmar string, one to the 

 left hand, the other to cross the lower transverse string. 



Pass the right index down on the distal side of all the strings and with its 

 palm raise up these two strings, then, passing the index through the right thumb 

 loop, from the distal side take up with its palm the lower transver.=!e string 

 between the two strings that loop round it. Draw this string out to the 

 distal side of all the strings and pass the index with it back again through the 

 thumb loop from the distal side. 



Drop the left little finger loop and remove with it from the distal side the 

 right index loop. 



Fig. 207 



Turn the hands inward, then outward, holding the palms turned out. 

 You have "the polar bear," its feet resting on the lower transverse string. 



