172 B Canadian Arctic Expedition, 1913-18 



CLII. A False Knot 



The Copper Eskimos make a figure which they call xukat'dhk, i.e. "pulling 

 tight." The movements are not remarkable in any way. 



Position 1. 



With the palm of the right index draw across the left palmar string, with- 

 out twisting it. 



Pass the left index from the distal side into the left thumb loop, push out 

 the ulnar string, then take up with the palm of that index in succession the radial 

 little finger string of its hand, then the upper transverse string, and finally the 

 lower transverse string. 



With the palm of the left little finger on the distal side of all the strings 

 draw through the ulnar index string, thereby navahoing the little finger. 



Drop the left index loop and transfer the left thumb loop to the left index. 



Near the left hand a short vertical string loops round the lower transverse 

 string on the proximal side, then continues on the distal side up to the vdnar 

 left index string. 



With the palm of the left thumb from the right take it up on its proximal 

 aspect, then with the back of the thumb (dropping the former string) take it 

 up over the top of the radial little finger string just before it passes over the 

 ulnar index string. 



Drop the index loops on both hands, straighten the loop on the left thumb 

 and circle the right hand loop once clockwise. You have the figure xukatdhk. 



z^ 



Fig. 225 



Drop the left little finger loop and draw the strings taut. They form first 

 a knot, then if they slip easily through one another the knot will dissolve and 

 you are left with the original string. 



