Eskimo String Figures 



173 b 



PART V 

 FIGURES REQUIRING TWO PEOPLE 



There are a few figures which require the looping of the string round one 

 or occasionally two objects. Usually the indices of some other person are used, 

 though sometimes the operator uses his foot. Two of these figures have a wide 

 distribution. 



CLIII. A Man Sliding Across the Ice 



This figure is known from Indian point, Barrow, the Inland natives of 

 northern Alaska, and from the Mackenzie river. In each place it has a different 

 chant. The movements are almost identical with those of "the bow" (see No. XL) . 



Loop one end of the string over the foot; with the other end make Opening A. 



With the thumbs from the proximal side remove the index and little finger loops . 



Pass the little fingers into the thumb loops from the proximal side and, 

 pressing down the ulnar strings, hook the little fingers down from the outside 

 over the strings running to the foot. 



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

 palms draw through the upper transverse string. 



Drop the thumb loops and, passing the thumbs into the little finger loops 

 from the distal side, take up with their backs from the proximal side the two strings 

 running from the radial to the ulnar little finger strings on each side and katilluik. 



Fig. 226 



You have the figure of "a man." Spread the little fingers out and he will 

 slide up and down the two strings running to the foot. 

 "(To resolve the strings drop the thumb loops.) 



