Page:Native Tribes of South-East Australia.djvu/755

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XI
GESTURE LANGUAGE
729

Extend the arm towards the ground, and make two or three quick movements with the open hand towards the ground (Yantruwunta).

Camp.—Chop twice with the right hand, at an angle of 45° from right to left in front of yourself Then place fore-finger of the right hand between the tips of the first and second fingers of the left hand, simulating a ridge pole (Wurunjerri).

Camp, or sleep.—Recline the head upon the hand, as if sleeping (Dieri).[1] Lay the head on the right hand and close the eyes (Mundainbura).[2]

Child.—Place both hands behind the back, as if carrying one (Dieri).[1]

Come here.—Beckon with the open hand towards yourself (Wurunjerri). Point to the person with the right hand, then point to the left (Aldolinga).[3]Motion as if throwing a stone, but bringing the hand afterwards towards the body (Eucla).[4]

Come on.— Extend the hand and arm straight out, then bend the arm towards yourself The action repeated several times means "come quickly" (Dieri).[5]

Come here; Sit down.—Beckon towards yourself with right hand, palm upwards, fingers slightly bent, then make a motion or two with them towards the ground at the right (Wolgal).

Companions.—Hold up the fore and middle fingers of one hand, then lightly snap the fingers and thumb (Dieri).[1]

Cut—Draw the forefinger of the one hand across the other hand (Dieri).[1] There was a man in the Yantruwunta tribe whom I often saw, but never knew his name, excepting by a gesture which distinguished him, and which meant "broken arm." It was made by striking the radius of the left arm with the right hand open and held vertically.

Danger.—Make a movement as of catching a fly close to the mouth, and then squeezing it (Dieri).[5] Place the right hand in front of the body and then step back a pace or two (Kuriwalu).[6]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Vogelsang.
  2. W. Logan.
  3. Rev. H. Kempe.
  4. H. Williams.
  5. 5.0 5.1 S. Gason.
  6. J. H. Kirkham.