In the printed but unpublishedCollectionbefore mentioned, page396, nearly three hundred quarto pages are devoted to descriptions of signs arranged in alphabetic order. A few of these are now presented to show the method adopted. They have been selected either as having connection with the foregoing discussion of the subject or because for some of them pictorial illustrations had already been prepared. There is propriety in giving all the signs under some of the title words when descriptions of only one or two of those signs have been used in the foregoing remarks. This prevents an erroneous inference that the signs so mentioned are the only or the common or the generally prevailing signs for the idea conveyed. This course has involved some slight repetition both of descriptions and of illustrations, as it seemed desirable that they should appear to the eye in the several connections indicated. The extracts are rendered less interesting and instructive by the necessity for omitting cross-references which would show contrasts and similarities for comparison, but would require a much larger part of the collected material to be now printed than is consistent with the present plan. Instead of occupying in this manner the remaining space allotted to this paper, it was decided to present, as of more general interest, the descriptions ofTribal Signs, Proper Names, Phrases, Dialogues, Narratives, Discourses, andSignals, which follow theExtracts.
It will be observed that in the following extracts there has been an attempt to supply the conceptions or origin of the several signs. When the supposed conception, obtained through collaborators, is printed before the authority given as reference, it is understood to have been gathered from an Indian as being his own conception, and is therefore of special value. When printed after the authority and within quotation marks it is in the words of the collaborator as offered by himself. When printed after the authority and without quotation marks it is suggested by this writer.
The letters of the alphabet within parentheses, used in some of the descriptions, refer to the corresponding figures inTypes of Hand Positionsat the end of this paper. When such letters are followed by Arabic numerals it is meant that there is some deviation, which is described in the text, from that type of hand position corresponding with the letter which is still used as the basis of description. Example: In the first description from (SahaptinI) forbad,mean, page412, (G) refers to the type of hand position so marked, being identically that position, but in the following reference, to (R 1), the type referred to by the letterR has the palm to the front instead of backward, being in all other respects the position which it is desired to illustrate; (R), therefore, taken in connection with the description, indicates that change, and that alone. This mode of reference is farther explained in theExamplesat the end of this paper.
References to another title word as explaining a part of a description or to supply any other portions of a compound sign will always be understood as being made to the description by the same authority of the sign under the other title-word. Example: In the second description by (SahaptinI) forbad, mean, above mentioned, the reference toGoodis to that sign forgoodwhich is contributed by Rev.G.L. Deffenbaugh, and is referred to as (SahaptinI.).
Pass the open right hand outward from the small of the back. (Wied.) This, as explained by Indians lately examined, indicates the lighter coloration upon the animal's flanks. A Ute who could speak Spanish accompanied it with the wordblanco, as if recognizing that it required explanation.
With the index only extended, hold the hand eighteen or twenty inches transversely in front of the head, index pointing to the left, then rub the sides of the body with the flat hands. (CheyenneIV;DakotaVI.) "The latter sign refers to the white sides of the animal; the former could not be explained."
Antelope. DakotaFig. 234.
Running antelope. Personal totemFig. 235.
Extend and separate the forefingers and thumbs, nearly close all the other fingers, and place the hands with backs outward above and a little in front of the ears, about four inches from the head, and shake them back and forth several times. Antelope's horns. This is an Arapaho sign. (DakotaI, II, IV.)
Close the right hand, leaving the end of the index in the form of a hook, and the thumb extended as in Fig. 234; then wave the hand quickly back and forth a short distance, opposite the temple. (HidatsaI;ArikaraI.) "Represents the pronged horn of the animal. This is the sign ordinarily used, but it was noticed that in conversing with one of the Dakotas the sign of the latter (DakotaVI) was used several times, to be more readily understood."
Place both hands, fingers fully extended and spread, close to the sides of the head.Wied'ssign was readily understood as signifying the white flanks. (ApacheI.)
In connection with the above signs Fig. 235 is presented, which was drawn by Running Antelope, an Uncpapa Dakota, as his personal totem, or proper name.
Make the sign forGoodand then that ofNot. (Long.)
Close the hand, and open it whilst passing it downward. (Wied.) This is the same as my description; but differently worded, possibly notes a less forcible form. I say, however, that the arm is "extended." The precise direction in which the hand is moved is not, I think, essential. (Matthews.) This sign is invariably accompanied by a countenance expressive of contempt. (F. Jacker.).
Scatter the dexter fingers outward, as if spurting away water from them. (Burton.)
(1) Right hand partially elevated, fingers closed, thumb clasping the tips; (2) sudden motion downward and outward accompanied by equally sudden opening of fingers and snapping of the fingers from the thumb. (CheyenneII.)
Right hand closed back to front is moved forcibly downward and forward, the fingers being violently opened at instant of stopping the motion of hand. (Cheyenne IV.)
Right hand closed (B) carried forward in front of the body toward the right and downward, during which the hand is opened, fingers downward, as if dropping out the contents. (DakotaI.) "Not worth keeping."
Half close the fingers of the right hand, hook the thumb over the fore and middle fingers; move the hand, back upward, a foot or so toward the object referred to, and suddenly let the fingers fly open. Scattered around, therefore bad. An Arapaho sign. (DakotaIV.)
Close the fingers of the right hand, resting the tips against the thumb, then throw the hand downward and outward toward the right to arm's length, and spring open the fingers. Fig. 236. (DakotaVI, VII, VIII;PonkaII;PaniI.)
Bad. DakotaFig. 236.
The sign most commonly used for this idea is made by the hand being closed near the breast, with the back toward the breast, then as the arm is suddenly extended the hand is opened and the fingers separated from each other. (Mandan and HidatsaI.)
Hands open, palms turned in; move one hand toward, and the other from, the body; then vice versâ. (OmahaI.)
Throw the clinched right hand forward, downward, and outward, and when near at arm's length, suddenly snap the fingers from the thumb asif sprinkling water. (WyandotI.) "To throw away contemptuously; not worth keeping."
Raise hand in front of breast, fingers hooked, thumb resting against second finger, palm downward (G), then with a nervous movement throw the hand downward to the right and a little behind the body, with an expression of disgust on the face. During motion of hand the fingers are suddenly extended as though throwing something out of the hand, and in final position the fingers and thumb are straight and separated, palm backward (R 1). (SahaptinI.) "Away with it!"
Another: Same motion of arm and hand as ingood. But in the first position fingers are closed, and as the hand moves to the right they are thrown open, until in final position all are extended as in final forgood. (SahaptinI.)
Extend the right hand, palm downward, and move it in a horizontal line from the body, then suddenly turn the hand over as if throwing water from the back of it or the index. (ComancheI.) "Good, no."
Pass the flat right hand, interruptedly, downward and backward past the right side. (Pima and PapagoI.) "Putting aside."
Deaf-mute natural signs:
Hold forward the closed hand with the little finger up, at the same time nodding the head. (Ballard.)
Draw the tongue out a little and then shake the head with a displeased look. (Larson.)
Use the sign forhandsome(see first part of the sign forGood), at the same time shake the head as if to say "no." (Ziegler.)
Deaf-mute signs:
The hand closed (except the little finger which is extended and raised), and held forward with the fingers to the front is the sign forbadillustrated in the Report for 1879 of the Ohio Institution for the Deaf and Dumb. This sign is used among the deaf-mutes in England.
Pass the hand before the face to mean ugliness, at the same time grinning and extending the fingers like claws. (Burton.)
Hands in front of and about eight inches above the elbows, fingers slightly bent and open, thumbs and palms to the front to represent claws,—or bear in standing position. Sometimes accompanied by clawing motion. (Creel.)
(1) Middle and third finger of right hand clasped down by the thumb, forefinger and little finger extended, crooked downward; (2) the motion of scratching made in the air. (CheyenneII.) Fig. 237.
Bear. CheyenneFig. 237.
Fingers of both hands closed, except the thumb and little finger, which are extended, and point straight toward the front, hands horizontal, backs upward, are held in front of their respective sides near the body, and then moved directly forwardwith, short, sharp jerking motions. (DakotaI.) "From the motion of the bear in running." This is also reported as an Arapaho sign. (DakotaIV.) The paws and claws are represented.
Seize a short piece of wood, say about two feet long, wave in the right hand, and strike a blow at an imaginary person. (OmahaI.)
Another: Seize a short thing about six inches long, hold it as dagger, pretend to thrust it downward under the breast-bone repeatedly, and each time farther, grunting or gasping in doing so; withdraw the stick, holding it up, and, showing the blood, point to the breast with the left forefinger, meaning to sayso do thou when you meet the bear. (OmahaI.)
Another: Pretend to stab yourself with an arrow in various parts of the body, then point towards the body with the left-hand forefinger. (OmahaI.)
Arms are flexed and hands clasped about center of breast; then slowly fall with arms pendulous and both hands in type-position (Q). The sign is completed by slowly lifting the hands and arms several times in imitation of the animal's locomotion. Movement and appearance of animal's front feet. (OtoI.)
Bear. Kaiowa, etc.Fig. 238.
Hold the closed right hand at the height of the elbow before the right side, palm downward, extend and curve the thumb and little finger so that their tips are nearly directed toward one another before the knuckles of the closed fingers; then push the hand forward several times. (KaiowaI;ComancheIII;ApacheII;WichitaII.) "Paw and long claws." Fig. 238.
Bear. UteFig. 239.
Hold both closed hands before the body, palms down, and about eight inches apart; reach forward a short distance, relaxing the fingers as if grasping something with them, and draw them back again as the hands are withdrawn to their former position. Ordinarily but one hand is used, as in Fig. 239. (UteI.) "Scratching, and grasping with the claws."
The right hand thrown in the position as forhorse, as follows: Elevate the right-hand, extended, with fingers joined, outer edge toward the ground, in front of the body or right shoulder, and pointing forward, resting the curved thumb against the palmar side of the index, then extend both hands with fingers extended and curved, separated, palms down, and push them forward several times, making a short arch. (ApacheI.) "The animal that scratches with long claws."
Bear. Moqui pictographFig. 240.
Fig. 240 is from a Moqui rock etching, contributed by Mr. G. K. Gilbert, showing the pictorial mode of representing the animal.
Deaf-mute sign:
Claw both shoulders with the fingers. (Wing.)
—— Grizzly.
Right hand flat and extended, held at height of shoulder, palm forward, then bring the palm to the mouth, lick it with the tongue, and return it to first position. (OmahaI.) "Showing blood on the paw."
Other remarks upon the signs forbearare made on pages293and345.
Close the fists, place the left near the breast, and move the right over the left toward the left side. (Wied.) A motion something like this, which I do not now distinctly recall—a short of wrenching motion with the fists in front of the chest—I have seen used forstrong. IfWied'ssign-maker's hand first struck the region over the heart (as he may have done) he would then have indicated a "strong heart," which is the equivalent forbrave. (Matthews.) This sign is used by the Sioux at the present day to denotesmall. (McChesney.) I have seen a similar sign repeatedly, the only variation being that the right fist is passed over and downward, in front of the left, instead of toward the left side. (Hoffman.) Fig. 241.
Brave. N.A. IndianFig. 241.
Clinch the right fist, and place it to the breast. (AbsarokaI;Shoshoni and BanakI.)
Both hands fists, backs outward, obliquely upward, near together, right inside of left, are moved forward from in front of the chest, two or three times and back again to original position and then the right-hand fist is thrown with some force over the left on a curve.Enduranceis expressed by this sign, and it is connected with the sun-dance trials of the young man in testing his bravery and powers of endurance before admission to the ranks of the warriors. (DakotaI.)
Push the two fists forward about a foot, at the height of the breast, the right about two inches behind the left, palms inward. (DakotaIV.) "The hands push all before them."
Hold the left arm in front as if supporting a shield, and the right drawn back as if grasping a weapon. Close the fists, lower the head, moving it a little forward (with a "lunge") as well as the arms and fists.. (OmahaI.) "I am brave."
Another: Index and thumb extended parallel, palm to left, the other fingers bent. Shake the open fingers several times at the person referred to, the forearm being held at an angle of about 20°. (OmahaI.) "You are very brave; you do not fear death when you see the danger."
Strike the breast gently with the palmar side of the right fist. (WyandotI.)
Place the left clinched hand horizontally before the breast, palm toward the body, and at the same time strike forcibly downward in front of it with the right fist, as in Fig. 242. Sometimes the right fist is placed back of the left, then thrown over the latter toward the front and downward, as in Fig. 241 above. The same gesture has also been made by throwing the palmar side of the right fist edgewise downward in front of the knuckles of the left, as in Fig. 243. In each instance the left fist is jerked upward very perceptibly as the right one is thrust downward. (KaiowaI;ComancheIII;ApacheII;WichitaII.)
Brave. Kaiowa, etc.Fig. 242.
Strike the clinched fist forcibly toward the ground in front of and near the breast. (ArikaraI.)
—— He is the bravest of all.
Make the sign forBraveand then the left forefinger, upright, back inward about twelve inches in front of left breast, right index similarly held near the right breast, move them at the same time outward or forward, obliquely to the left, (DakotaI.)
Brave. Kaiowa, etc.Fig. 243.
Raise right hand, fingers extended, palm downward (W 1), swing it around "over all," then point to the man, raise left fist (A 1, changed to left and palm inward) to a point in front of and near the body, close fingers of right hand and place the fist (A 2, palm inward) between left fist and body and then with violent movement throw it over left fist, as though breaking something, and stop at a point in front of and a little below left fist, and lastly point upward with right hand. (SahaptinI.) "Of all here he is strongest."
The right fist, palm downward, is struck against the breast several times, and the index is then quickly elevated before the face, pointing upward. (ApacheI.)
Move the fist, thumb to the head, across the forehead from right to left, and cast it toward the earth over the left shoulder. (ApacheIII.)
Deaf-mute natural signs:
Run forward with a bold expression of the countenance. (Larson.)
Not to run back but to run forward. (Ziegler.)
Deaf-mute sign:
Left hand held as if pressing a loaf against the chest. Make a motion with the right hand, palm upward as if cutting through the fingers of the left with a sawing motion. (Wing.)
Other remarks connected with the signs forbraveappear on pages352,353, and358,supra.
The forefinger of the right hand extended, pass it perpendicularly downward, then turn it upward, and raise it in a right line as high as the head. (Long.) "Rising above others."
Raise the index finger of the right hand, holding it straight upward, then turn it in a circle and bring it straight down, a little toward the earth. (Wied.) The right hand is raised, and in position (J) describes a semicircle as in beginning the act of throwing. The arm is elevated perfectly erect aside of the head, the palm of the index and hand should be outward. There is an evident similarity in both execution and conception of this sign andWied's; the little variation may be the result of different interpretation. The idea of superiority is most prominent in both. (Boteler.) "A prominent one before whom all succumb." The Arikaras understood this sign, and they afterwards used it in talking to me. (Creel.)Wied'sair-picture reminds of the royal scepter with its sphere.
Raise the forefinger, pointed upwards, in a vertical direction, and then reverse both finger and motion; the greater the elevation the "bigger" the chief. (ArapahoI.)
Place the closed hand, with the index extended and pointing upward, near the right cheek, pass it upward as high as the head, then turn it forward and downward toward the ground, the movement terminating a little below the initial point. See Fig. 306 inTendoy-Huerito Dialogue, p.487. (ArapahoII;CheyenneV;PonkaII;ShoshoniI.)
(1) Sign forMan, as follows: Right hand, palm inward, elevated to about the level of the breast, index carelessly pointing upward, suddenly pointed straight upward, and the whole hand moved a little forward, at the same time taking care to keep the back of the hand toward the person addressed; (2) middle, third, little finger, and thumb slightly closedtogether, forefinger pointing forward and downward; (3) curved motion made forward, outward, and downward. (CheyenneII.) "He who stands still and commands," as shown by similarity of signs tosit hereorstand here.
Extend the index, remaining fingers closed, and raise it to the right side of the head and above it as far as the arm can reach. Have also seen the sign given byWyandotI. (OjibwaV.)
The extended forefinger of the right hand (J), of which the other fingers are closed, is raised to the right side of the head and above it as far as the arm can be extended, and then the hand is brought down in front of the body with the wrist bent, the back of hand in front and the extended forefinger pointing downward. (DakotaI.) "Raised above others."
Move the upright and extended right index, palm forward, from the shoulder upward as high, as the top of the head, then forward six inches through a curve, and move it forward six inches, and then downward, its palm backward, to the height of the shoulder. An Arapaho sign, Above all others. He looks over or after us. (DakotaIV.)
Elevate the extended index before the shoulder, palm forward, pass it upward as high as the head, and forming a short curve to the front, then downward again slightly to the front to before the breast and about fifteen inches from it. (DakotaVI, VII, VIII;HidatsaI;ArikaraI.)
Right hand closed, forefinger pointing up, raise the hand from the waist in front of the body till it passes above the head. (OmahaI.)
Another: Bring the closed right hand, forefinger pointing up, on a level with the face; then bring the palm of the left hand with force against the right forefinger; next send up the right hand above the head, leaving the left as it is. (OmahaI.)
The right arm is extended by side of head, with the hand in position (J). The arm and hand then descend, the finger describing a semicircle with the arm as a radius. The sign stops with arm hanging at full length. (OtoI.) "The arm of authority before whom all must fall."
Both hands elevated to a position in front of and as high as the shoulders, palms facing, fingers and thumbs spread and slightly curved; the hands are then drawn outward a short distance towards their respective sides and gently elevated as high as the top of the head. (WyandotI.) "One who is elevated by others."
Elevate the closed hand—index only extended and pointing upward—to the front of the right side of the face or neck or shoulder; pass it quickly upward, and when as high as the top of the head, direct it forward and downward again toward the ground. (KaiowaI;ComancheIII;ApacheII;WichitaII.)Close the right hand, index raised, extended, and placed before the breast, then move it forward from the mouth, pointing forward, until at arm's length. (UteI.)
——, Head, of tribe.
Place the extended index, pointing upward, at some distance before the right shoulder, then place the left hand, with fingers and thumb extended and separated, just back of the index; then in passing the index upward as high as the head, draw the left hand downward a short distance, as in Fig. 244. Superior to others. (AbsarokaI;ArikaraI.)
Place both flat hands before the body, palms down, and pass them horizontally outward toward their respective sides, then make the sign forChief. (ArikaraI.) "Chief of the wide region and those upon it."
Chief. Head of tribe. AbsarokaFig. 244.
After pointing out the man, point to the ground, all fingers closed except first (J 1, pointing downward in stead of upward), then point upward with same hand (J 2), then move hand to a point in front of body, fingers extended, palm downward (W 1), and move around horizontally. (SahaptinI.) "In this place he is head over all."
Chief. Head of tribe. Pai-UteFig. 245.
Grasp the forelock with the right hand, palm backward, pass the hand upward about six inches and hold it in that position a moment. (Pai-UteI.) Fig 245.
Elevate the extended index vertically above and in front of the head, holding the left hand, forefinger pointing upward, from one to two feet below and underneath the right, the position of the left, either elevated or depressed, also denoting the relative position of the second individual to that of the chief. (ApacheI.)
——, War. Head of a war party; Partisan.
First make the sign of thepipe; then open the thumb and index finger of the right hand, back of the hand outward, moving it forward and upward in a curve. (Wied.) For remarks upon this sign see page384.
Place the right hand, index only extended and pointing forward and upward, before the right side of the breast nearly at arm's length, then place the left hand, palm forward with fingers spread and extended, midway between the breast and the right hand. (ArapahoII;CheyenneV;PonkaII;PaniI.)
First make the sign forBattle, viz: Both hands (A 1) brought to the median line of the body on a level with the breast and close together; describe with both hands at the same time a series of circular movements of small circumference; and then add the sign forChief, (DakotaI.) "First in battle."
—— of a band.
Point toward the left and front with the extended forefinger of the left hand, palm down; then place the extended index about twelve inches behind the left hand, pointing in the same direction. (ArapahoII;CheyenneV;PonkaII;PaniI.)
Chief of a band. Absaroka and ArikaraFig. 246.
Place the extended index at some distance before the right shoulder, pointing forward and slightly upward, then place the left hand with fingers and thumb extended and separated over the index, and while pushing the index to the front, draw the left hand backward toward body and to the left. Ahead of others. (AbsarokaI;ArikaraI.) Fig. 246.
Point the extended index forward and upward before the chest, then place the spread fingers of the left hand around the index, but at a short distance behind it, all pointing the same direction. Ahead of the remainder. (ArikaraI.)
Chief of a band. Pai-UteFig. 247.
Grasp the forelock with the right hand, palm backward, and pretend to lay the hair down over the right side of the head by passing the hand in that direction. (Pai-UteI.) Fig. 247.
The French deaf-mute sign fororder, command, maybe compared with several of the above signs. In it the index tip first touches the lower lip, then is raised above the head and brought down with violence. (L'enseignment primaire des sourds-muets; par M. Pélissier. Paris, 1856.)
Not only in Naples, but, according to De Jorio, in Italy generally the conception ofauthorityin gesture is by pressing the right hand on the flank, accompanied by an erect and squared posture of the bust with the head slightly inclined to the right. The idea ofsubstanceis conveyed.
Warrior. Absaroka, etc.Fig. 248.
——, Warrior lower than actual, but distinguished for bravery.
Place the left forefinger, pointing toward the left and front, before the left side of the chest, then place the extended index near (or against) the forefinger, and, while passing the latter outward toward the left, draw the index toward the right. (AbsarokaI;ArikaraI;ShoshoniI.) Fig. 248.
Throw the forefinger from the perpendicular into a horizontal position toward the earth, with the back downward. (Long.)
Hold the left hand flat over the face, back outward, and pass with the similarly held right hand below the former, gently striking or touching it. (Wied.) The sign given (Oto and MissouriI) has no similarity in execution or conception withWied's. (Boteler.) This sign may convey the idea ofunderorburial, quite differently executed from most others reported. Dr. McChesney conjectures this sign to be that of wonder or surprise at hearing of a death, but not a distinct sign for the latter.
The finger of the right hand passed to the left hand and then cast down. (Macgowan.)
Hold the left hand slightly arched, palm down, fingers pointing toward the right about fifteen inches before the breast, then place the extended index nearer the breast, pointing toward the left, pass it quickly forward underneath the left hand and in an upward curve to termination. (ArapahoII;CheyenneV;PonkaII;PaniI.)
Place the palm of the hand at a short distance from the side of the head, then withdrawing it gently in an oblique downward direction and inclining the head and upper part of the body in the same direction. (OjibwaII.) See page353for remarks upon this sign.
Hold both hands open, with palms over ears, extend fingers back on brain, close eyes, and incline body a little forward and to right or left very low, and remain motionless a short time, pronouncing the wordKe-nee-booslowly. (OjibwaIV.)
Left hand flattened and held back upward, thumb inward in front of and a few inches from the breast. Right hand slightly clasped, forefinger more extended than the others, and passed suddenly under the left hand, the latter being at the same time gently moved toward the breast. (CheyenneII.) "Gone under."
Both hands horizontal in front of body, backs outward, index of each hand alone extended, the right index is passed under the left with a downward, outward and then upward and inward curved motion at the same time that the left is moved inward toward the body two or three inches, the movements being ended on the same level as begun. "Upset, keeled over." Formany deathsrepeat the sign many times. The sign of (CheyenneII) expresses "gone under," but is not used in the sense ofdeath, dead, butgoing under a cover, as entering a lodge, under a table, &c. (DakotaI.)
Make the sign forAlive, viz.: The right hand, back upward, is to be at the height of the elbow and forward, the index extended and pointing forward, the other fingers closed, thumb against middle finger; then, while rotating the hand outward, move it to a position about four inches in front of the face, the back looking forward and the index pointing upward; then the sign for No. (DakotaIV.)
Another: Hold the left hand pointing toward the right, palm obliquely downward and backward, about a foot in front of the lower part of the chest, and pass the right hand pointing toward the left, palm downward, from behind forward underneath it. Or from an upright position in front of the face, back forward, index extended and other fingers closed, carry the right hand downward and forward underneath the left and about four inches beyond it, gradually turning the right hand until its back is upward and its index points toward the left. An Arapaho sign. Gone under or buried. (DakotaIV.)
Hold the left hand slightly bent with the palm down, before the breast, then pass the extended right hand, pointing toward the left, forward under and beyond the left. (DakotaVI, VII.)
Hold the right hand, flat, palm downward, before the body; then throw it over on its back to the right, making a curve of about fifteen inches. (DakotaVI;HidatsaI;ArikaraI.) The gesture of reversal in this and other instances may be compared with picture-writings in which the reversed character for the name or totem of a person signifies his death. One of these is given in Fig. 249, taken from Schoolcraft'sHist. Am. Tribes, I, p. 356, showing the cedar burial post oradjedatigof Wabojeeg, an Ojibwa war chief, who died on Lake Superior about 1793. Hebelonged to the deer clan of his tribe and the animal is drawn reversed on the post.
Ojibwa gravestone, including "dead"Fig. 249.
Extend right hand, palm down, hand curved. Turn the palm up in moving the hand down towards the earth. (OmahaI.)
The countenance is brought to a sleeping composure with the eyes closed. This countenance being gradually assumed, the head next falls toward either shoulder. The arms having been closed and crossed upon the chest with the hands in type positions (B B) are relaxed and drop simultaneously towards the ground, with the fall of the head. This attitude is maintained some seconds. (Oto and MissouriI.) "The bodily appearance at death."
Place the open hand, back upward, fingers a little drawn together, at the height of the breast, pointing forward; then move it slowly forward and downward, turning it over at the same time. (IroquoisI.) "To express 'gone into the earth, face upward.'"
The flat right hand is waved outward and downward toward the same side, the head being inclined in the same direction at the time, with eyes closed. (WyandotI.)
Hold the left hand loosely extended about fifteen inches in front of the breast, palm down, then pass the index, pointing to the left, in a short curve downward, forward, and upward beneath the left palm. (KaiowaI;ComancheIII;ApacheII;WichitaII.)
Dead. Shoshoni and BanakFig. 250.
Bring the left hand to the left breast, hand half clinched (H), then bring the right hand to the left with the thumb and forefinger in such a position as if you were going to take a bit of string from the fingers of the left hand, and pull the right hand off in a horizontal line as if you were stretching a string out, extend the hand to the full length of the arm from you and let the index finger point outward at the conclusion of the sign. (ComancheI.) "Soul going to happy hunting-grounds."
The left hand is held slightly arched, palm down, nearly at arm's length before the breast; the right extended, flat, palm down, and pointing forward, is pushed from the top of the breast, straightforward, underneath, and beyond the left. (Shoshoni and BanakI.) Fig. 250.
Close both eyes, and after a moment throw the palm of the right hand from the face downward and outward toward the right side, the head being dropped in the same direction. (UteI.)
Touch the breast with the extended and joined fingers of the right hand, then throw the hand, palm to the left, outward toward the right, leaning the head in that direction at the same time. (ApacheI.)
Close the eyes with the tips of the index and second finger, respectively, then both hands are placed side by side, horizontally, palms downward, fingers extended and united; hands separated by slow horizontal movement to right and left. (KutchinI.)
Palm of hand upward, then a wave-like motion toward the ground. (Zun̄iI.)
Deaf-mute natural signs:
Place the hand upon the cheek, and shut the eyes, and move the hand downward toward the ground. (Ballard.)
Let your head lie on the open hand with eyes shut. (Cross.)
Use the right shut hand as if to draw a screw down to fasten the lid to the coffin and keep the eyes upon the hand. (Hasenstab.)
Move the head toward the shoulder and then close the eyes. (Larson.)
Deaf mute signs:
The French deaf-mute conception is that of gently falling or sinking, the right index falling from the height of the right shoulder upon the left forefinger, toward which the head is inclined.
The deaf-mute sign commonly used in the United States is the same asDakotaVI;HidatsaI;ArikaraI; above. Italians with obvious conception, make the sign of the cross.
—— To Die.
Right hand, forefinger extended, side up, forming with the thumb a 'U'; the other fingers slightly curved, touching each other, the little finger having its side toward the ground. Move the hand right and left then forward, several times; then turn it over suddenly, letting it fall toward the earth. (OjibwaV;OmahaI.) "An animal wounded, but staggering a little before it falls and dies."
Dying. Kaiowa, etc.Fig. 251.
—— Dying.
Hold the left hand as indead; pass the index in the same manner underneath the left, but in a slow, gentle, interrupted movement. (KaiowaI;ComancheIII;ApacheII;WichitaII.) "Step by step; inch by inch." Fig. 251.
Nearly dying. KaiowaFig. 252.
—— Nearly, but recovers.
Hold the left hand as indead; pass the index with a slow, easy, interrupted movement downward, under the left palm, as indying, but before passing from under the palm on the opposite side return the index in the same manner to point of starting; then elevate it. (KaiowaI;ComancheIII;ApacheII;WichitaII.) Fig. 252.
Other remarks upon the signs fordeadare given on page353.
The hand held horizontally, back upward, describes with the arm a horizontal curve outward. (Long.) This is like the Eurasian motion of benediction, but may more suggestively be compared with several of the signs foryes, and in opposition to several of those forbadandno, showing the idea of acceptance or selection of objects presented, instead of their rejection.
Place the right hand horizontally in front of the breast and move it forward. (Wied.) This description is essentially the same as the one I furnished. (Mandan and HidatsaI.) I stated, however, that the hand was moved outward (i.e., to the right). I do not remember seeing it moved directly forward. In making the motion as I have described it the hand would have to go both outward and forward. (Matthews.) The left arm is elevated and the hand held in position (W). The arm and hand are thus extended from the body on a level with the chest; the elbow being slightly bent, the arm resembles a bent bow. The right arm is bent and the right hand, in position (W), sweeps smoothly over the left arm from the biceps muscle over the ends of the fingers. This sign andWied'sare noticeably similar. The difference is, theOtosignuses the left arm in conjunction and bothmore to the left. The conception is of something that easily passes; smoothness, evenness, etc., in both. (Boteler.)
Wave the hand from the mouth, extending the thumb from the index and closing the other three fingers. This sign also meansI know. (Burton.)
(1) Right-hand fingers pointing to the left placed on a level with mouth, thumb inward; (2) suddenly moved with curve outward so as to present palm to person addressed. (CheyenneII.)
Pass the open right hand, palm downward, from the heart, twenty-four inches horizontally forward and to the right through an arc of about 90°. (DakotaIV.) "Heart easy or smooth."
Another: Gently strike the chest two or three times over the heart with the radial side of the right hand, the fingers partly flexed and pointing downward. An Arapaho sign. (DakotaIV.)
Place the flat right hand, palm down, thumb touching the breast, then move it forward and slightly upward and to the right. (ArapahoII;CheyenneV;OjibwaV;DakotaVI, VII, VIII;KaiowaI;ComancheIII;ApacheII;WichitaII.)
Pass the flat hand, palm down, from the breast forward and in a slight curve to the right. (DakotaVI;HidatsaI;AnkaraI.)
The extended right hand, palm downward, thumb backward, fingers pointing to the left, is held nearly or quite in contact with the body about on a level with the stomach; it is then carried outward to the right a foot or two with a rapid sweep, in which the forearm is moved but not necessarily the humerus. (Mandan and HidatsaI.)
Move right hand, palm down, over the blanket, right and left, several times. (OmahaI.)
Another: Hit the blanket, first on the right, then on the left, palm down, several times. (OmahaI.)
Another: Point at the object with the right forefinger, shaking it a little up and down, the other fingers being closed. (OmahaI.)
Another: Same as preceding, but with the hand open, the thumb crooked under and touching the forefinger; hand held at an angle of 45° while shaking a little back and forth. (OmahaI.)
Another: Hold the closed hands together, thumbs up; separate by turning the wrists down, and move the fists a little apart; then reverse movements till back to first position. (OmahaI.)
Another: Hold the left hand with back toward the ground, fingers and thumb apart, and curved; hold the right hand opposite it, palmdown, hands about six inches apart; shake the hands held thus, up and down, keeping them the same distance apart. (OmahaI.)
Another: Hold the hands with the palms in, thumbs up, move hands right and left, keeping them about six inches apart. (OmahaI.)
Another: Look at the right hand, first on the back, then on the palm, then on the back again. (OmahaI.)
The flat right hand, palm down, is moved forward and upward, starting at a point about twelve inches before the breast. (WyandotI.)
Hold the flat right hand forward and slightly outward from the shoulder, palm either upward or downward, and pass it edgewise horizontally to the right and left. This sign was made when no personality was involved. The same gesturer when claiming for himself the character of goodness made the following: Rapidly pat the breast with the flat right hand. (Pima and PapagoI.)
Throw right hand from front to side, fingers extended and palm down, forearm horizontal. (SahaptinI.)
Make an inclination of the body forward, moving at the same time both hands forward from the breast, open, with the palm upward, and gradually lowering them. This is also used forglad, pleased. (IroquoisI.)
Bring both hands to the front, arms extended, palms outward; elevate them upward and slightly forward; the face meanwhile expressive of wonder. (ComancheI.)
Bring the hand opposite the breast, a little below, hand extended, palm downward (W), and let it move off in a horizontal direction. If it be very good, this may be repeated. If comparatively good, repeat it more violently. (ComancheI.)
Hold the right hand palm down, pointing to the left, and placed horizontally before the breast, then raise it several times slightly. Good and glad. (KutchinI.)
Deaf-mute natural signs:
Smack the lips. (Ballard.)
Close the hand while the thumb is up, and nod the head and smile as if to approve of something good. (Hasenstab.)
Point the forefinger to the mouth and move the lips with a pleased look as if tasting sweet fruit. (Larson.)
Use the sign forhandsomeby drawing the outstretched palm of the right hand down over the right cheek; at the same time nod the head as if to say "yes." (Ziegler.)