Eskimo String Figures 



177 b 



A string now runs from one hand to the other, and two strings come up 

 from the side strings, loop round it and return, thereby making a radial and an 

 ulnar string. 



With the backs of the thumbs from the proximal side take up the radial 

 strings of these loops, each with the nearer thumb, thread one thumb loop 

 through the other, then, pressing each to the side with the palms of the thumbs, 

 draw the side strings through them with the backs of the thumbs. Drop the 

 index loops. 



Invert inward (i.e. in the direction of each other) the loops on the other 

 player's indices. You have ht-khyaqtoyyuk, his legs being represented by the 

 loops at the bottom which cross the radial and ulnar index strings of the other 

 player. 



Fig. 229 



ADDENDUM 



At Barrow I saw the European figure "sawing wood," which Miss Haddon 

 described in her book, "Cat's Cradles from Many Lands" No. L. The 

 native who made it called it "sawing wood" also, and said that it came from the 

 whites. Consequently I have not included it among the Eskimo string figures. 

 There is a figure known at Cape Prince of Wales which is called qaqcyauk 

 ndyivaymi, i.e. "two loons in a lake." The woman who told me of it was unable 

 to make it, but said that the following chant was sung with it : 



qayayuma qayayuma While I was paddling my kayak 



qaqcyauk piyacuvaUn maq Loon, he will catch you — maq. 



72754—12 



