Page:String Figures and How to Make Them.djvu/164

Sixth: Release the loops from the thumbs, and, turning the palms away from you, extend the figure between the index fingers and the ring and little fingers closed on the palm (Fig. 289).

So far as I know, this figure is the only one in which, after Opening A, three loops are arranged on both thumbs.

CASTING THE FISH-SPEAR

Dr. Haddon has given me this unpublished Torres Straits figure.

First: Opening A. (The left palmar string must be taken up first.)

Second: Exchange the index loops so that they will catch, by bringing the hands together (with the fingers pointed toward one another) and putting with the left index the left index loop on the right index over the right index loop, and

down to the base of the finger; then lift off with the left index the original right index loop, and separate the hands. In this way the right index loop is drawn through the left index loop (Fig. 290).

Third: Release the loop from the right index. You now have a loop on each thumb and little finger and a loop on the left index; the loops on the left hand form the fish-spear, which is brought out more plainly by closing all the fingers of the right hand down on the palm, and letting the strings of the little finger loop come out between the index and middle finger (Fig. 291).