Sign Language Among North American Indians Compared With That A
Chapter 24
Right hand, as (N), is passed from the back part of the right side of the head, forward seven or eight inches. (_Dakota_ I.) "The Pani Indians are known as the _Shaved-heads_, i.e., leaving only the scalp locks on the head."
First and second fingers of right hand, straight upward and separated, remaining fingers and thumb closed (as in N), like the ears of a small wolf. (_Dakota_ III.)
Place the closed right hand to the side of the temple, palm forward leaving the index and second fingers extended and slightly separated, pointing upward. This is ordinarily used, though, to be more explicit, both hands may be used. (_Kaiowa_ I; _Comanche_ III; _Ute_ I; _Apache_ II; _Wichita_ II.) For illustration see Fig. 336, facing page 531.
PEND D'OREILLE, OR CALISPEL.
Make the motion of paddling a canoe. (_Kutine_ I.)
Both fists are held as if grasping a paddle vertically downward and working a canoe. Two strokes are made on each side of the body from the side backward. (_Shoshoni_ and _Banak_ I.) Fig. 295.
PUEBLO.
Place the clinched hand back of the occiput as if grasping the queue, then place both fists in front of the right shoulder, rotating them slightly to represent a loose mass of an imaginary substance. Represents the large mass of hair tied back of the head. (_Arapaho_ II; _Cheyenne_ V.)
REE. SEE ARIKARA.
SAC, OR SAUKI.
Pass the extended palm of the right hand over the right side of the head from front to back, and the palm of the left hand in the same manner over the left side of the head. (_Sac, Fox, and Kickapoo_ I.) "Shaved-headed Indians."
SAHAPTIN, OR NEZ PERCES.
The right index, back outward, passed from right to left under the nose. Piercing the nose to receive the ring. (_Creel_; _Dakota_ I.)
Place the thumb and forefinger to the nostrils. (_Kutine_ I.)
Close the right hand, leaving the index straight but flexed at right angles with the palm; pass it horizontally to the left by and under the nose. (_Comanche_ II.) "Pierced nose." Fig. 296. This sign is made by the Nez Perces for themselves, according to Major Haworth. Information was received from Arapaho and Cheyenne Indians, who visited Washington in 1880, that this sign is also used to designate the _Caddos_, who practiced the same custom of perforating the nasal septum. The same informants also state that the _Shawnees_ are sometimes indicated by the same sign.
Pass the extended index, pointing toward the left, remaining fingers and thumb closed, in front of and across the upper lip, just below the nose. The second finger is also sometimes extended. (_Shoshoni and Banak_ I.) "From the custom of piercing the noses for the reception of ornaments."
See p. 345 for remarks upon the signs for _Sahaptin_.
SATSIKA. SEE BLACKFEET.
SELISH. SEE FLATHEAD.
SHEEPEATER. SEE UNDER SHOSHONI.
SHAWNEE. SEE REMARKS UNDER SAHAPTIN.
SHOSHONI, OR SNAKE.
The forefinger is extended horizontally and passed along forward in a serpentine line. (_Long_.)
Right hand closed, palm down, placed in front of the right hip; extend the index and push it diagonally toward the left front, rotating it quickly from side to side in doing so. (_Absaroka_ I; _Shoshoni and Banak_ I.) "Snake." Fig. 297.
Right hand, horizontal, flat, palm downward (W), advanced to the front by a motion to represent the crawling of a snake. (_Dakota_ III.)
With the right index pointing forward, the hand is to be moved forward about a foot in a sinuous manner, to imitate the crawling of a snake. Also made by the Arapahos. (_Dakota_ IV.)
Place the closed right hand, palm down, in front of the right hip; extend the index, and move it forward and toward the left, rotating the hand and finger from side to side in doing so. (_Kaiowa_ I; _Comanche_ II, III; _Apache_ II; _Wichita_ II.)
Make the motion of a serpent with the right finger. (_Kutine_ I.)
Close the right hand, leaving the index only extended and pointing forward, palm to the left, then move it forward and to the left. (_Pai-Ute_ I.) The rotary motion of the hand does not occur in this description, which in this respect differs from the other authorities.
----, Sheepeater. Tukuarikai.
Both hands, half closed, pass from the top of the ears backward, downward, and forward, in a curve, to represent a ram's horns; then, with the index only extended and curved, place the hand above and in front of the mouth, back toward the face, and pass it downward and backward several times. (_Shoshoni and Banak_ I.) "Sheep," and "to eat."
SIHASAPA. SEE UNDER DAKOTA.
SIOUX. SEE DAKOTA.
TENNANAH.
Right hand hollowed, lifted to mouth, and describing waving line gradually descending from right to left; left hand describing mountainous outline, one peak rising above the other. (_Kutchin_ I.)" Mountain-river-men."
UTE.
"They who live on mountains" have a complicated sign which denotes "living in mountains," and is composed of the signs SIT and MOUNTAIN. (_Burton_.)
Rub the back of the extended flat left hand with the extended fingers of the right, then touch some black object. Represents black skin. Although the same sign is generally used to signify _negro_, an addition is sometimes made as follows: place the index and second fingers to the hair on the right side of the head, and rub them against each other to signify _curly hair_. This addition is only made when the connection would cause a confusion between the "black skin" Indian (_Ute_) and negro. (_Arapaho_ II; _Cheyenne_ V.)
Left hand horizontal, flat, palm downward, and with the fingers of the right hand brush the other toward the wrist. (_Dakota_ III.)
Place the flat and extended left hand at the height of the elbow before the body, pointing to the front and right, palm toward the ground; then pass the palmar surface of the flat and extended fingers of the right hand over the back of the left from near the wrist toward the tips of the fingers. (_Kaiowa_ I; _Comanche_ III; _Apache_ II; _Wichita_ II.) "Those who use sinew for sewing, and for strengthening the bow."
Indicate the color _black_, then separate the thumbs and forefingers of both hands as far as possible, leaving the remaining fingers closed, and pass upward over the lower part of the legs. (_Shoshoni_ and _Banak_ I.) "Black or dark leggings."
WASAJI. SEE OSAGE.
WICHITA.
Indicate a circle over the upper portion of the right cheek, with the index or several fingers of the right hand. The statement of the Indian authorities for the above is that years ago the Wichita women painted spiral lines on the breasts, starting at the nipple and extending several inches from it; but after an increase in modesty or a change in the upper garment, by which the breast ceased to be exposed, the cheek has been adopted as the locality for the sign. (_Creel_; _Kaiowa_ I; _Comanche_ III; _Apache_ II; _Wichita_ II.)
Extend the fingers and thumb of the right hand, semi-closed, and bring the hand toward the face nearly touching it, repeating this several times as if going through the motion of tattooing. The Comanches call the Wichitas "Painted Faces"; Caddos call them "Tattooed Faces," both tribes using the same sign. (_Comanche_ I.)
WYANDOT.
Pass the flat right hand from the top of the forehead backward over the head and downward and backward as far as the length of the arm. (_Wyandot_ I.) "From the manner of wearing the hair."
PROPER NAMES.
WASHINGTON, CITY OF.
The sign for _go_ by closing the hand (as in type position B 1) and bending the arm; the hand is then brought horizontally to the epigastrium, after which both the hand and arm are suddenly extended; the sign for _house_ or _lodge_; the sign for _cars_, consisting of the sign for _go_ and _wagon_, e.g., both arms are flexed at a right angle before the chest; the hands then assume type position (L) modified by the index being hooked and the middle finger partly opened and hooked similarly; the hands are held horizontally and rotated forward side by side to imitate two wheels, palms upward; and the sign for _council_ as follows: The right arm is raised, flexed at elbow, and the hand brought to the mouth (in type position G 1, modified by being inverted), palm up, and the index being more open. The hand then passes from the mouth in jerks, opening and closing successively; then the right hand (in position S 1), horizontal, marks off divisions on the left arm extended. The sign for _father_ is briefly executed by passing the open hand down and from the loins, then bringing it erect before the body; then the sign for _cars_, making with the mouth the noise of an engine. The hands then raised before the eyes and approximated at points, as in the sign for _lodge_; then diverge to indicate _extensive_; this being followed by the sign for _council_. (_Oto and Missouri_ I.) "The home of our father, where we go on the puffing wagon to council."
MISSOURI RIVER.
Make the sign for _water_ by placing the right hand upright six or eight inches in front of the mouth, back outward, index and thumb crooked, and their ends about an inch apart, the other fingers nearly closed; then move it toward the mouth, and then downward nearly to the top of the breast-bone, at the same time turning the hand over toward the mouth until the little finger is uppermost; and the sign for _large_ as follows: The opened right hands, palms facing, fingers relaxed and slightly separated, being at the height of the breast and about two feet apart, separate them nearly to arm's length; and then rapidly rotate the right hand from right to left several times, its back upward, fingers spread and pointing forward to show that it is stirred up or muddy. (_Dakota_ IV.)
EAGLE BULL, A DAKOTA CHIEF.
Place the clinched fists to either side of the head with the forefingers extended and curved, as in Fig. 298; then extend the left hand, flat, palm down, before the left side, fingers pointing forward; the outer edge of the flat and extended right hand is then laid transversely across the back of the left hand, and slid forward over the fingers as in Fig. 299. (_Dakota_ VI; _Ankara_ I.) "Bull and eagle--'_Haliaetus leucocephalus, (Linn.) Sav._'" In the picture-writing of the Moquis, Fig. 300 represents the eagle's tail as showing the difference of color which is indicated in the latter part of the above gesture.
RUSHING BEAR, AN ARIKARA CHIEF.
Place the right fist in front of the right side of the breast, palm down; extend and curve the thumb and little finger so that their tips point toward one another before the knuckles of the remaining closed fingers, then reach forward a short distance and pull toward the body several times ratter quickly; suddenly push the fist, in this form, forward to arm's length twice. (_Dakota_ VI; _Arikara_ I.) "Bear, and rushing."
SPOTTED TAIL, A DAKOTA CHIEF.
With the index only of the right hand extended, indicate a line of curve from the sacrum (or from the right buttock) downward, backward, and outward toward the right; then extend the left forefinger, pointing forward from the left side, and with the extended index draw imaginary lines transversely across the left forefinger. (_Absaroka_ I; _Shoshoni_ I; _Dakota_ VI, VII; _Arikara_ I.) "Tail, and spotted."
STUMBLING BEAR, A KAIOWA CHIEF.
Place the right fist in front of the right side of the breast, palm down; extend and curve the thumb and little finger so that their tips point toward one another before the knuckles of the remaining closed fingers; then place the left flat hand edgewise before the breast, pointing to the right; hold the right hand flat pointing down nearer the body; move it forward toward the left, so that the right-hand fingers strike the left palm and fall downward beyond the left. (_Kaiowa_ I.) "Bear, and stumble or stumbling."
SWIFT RUNNER, A DAKOTA WARRIOR.
Place the right hand in front of the right side, palm down; close all the fingers excepting the index, which is slightly curved, pointing forward; then push the hand forward to arm's length twice, very quickly. (_Dakota_ VI; _Arikara_ I.) "Man running rapidly or swiftly."
WILD HORSE, A COMANCHE CHIEF.
Place the extended and separated index and second fingers of the right hand astraddle the extended forefinger of the left hand. With the right hand loosely extended, held as high as and nearly at arm's length before the shoulder, make several cuts downward and toward the left. (_Comanche_ III.) "Horse, and prairie or wild."
PHRASES.
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES; SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR.
Close the right hand, leaving the thumb and index fully extended and separated; place the index over the forehead so that the thumb points to the right, palm toward the face; then draw the index across the forehead toward the right; then elevate the extended index, pointing upward before the shoulder or neck; pass it upward as high as the top of the head; make a short turn toward the front and pass it pointing downward toward the ground, to a point farther to the front and a little lower than at the beginning. (_Absaroka_ I; _Dakota_ VI, VII; _Shoshoni and Banak_ I; _Ute_ I; _Apache_ I.) "White man and chief."
Make the sign for _white man_ (American), by passing the palmar surface of the extended index and thumb of the right hand across the forehead from left to right, then that for _chief_, and conclude by making that for _parent_ by collecting the fingers and thumb of the right hand nearly to a point and drawing them forward from the left breast. (_Kaiowa_ I; _Comanche_ III; _Apache_ II; _Wichita_ II.) "White man; chief; father."
SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR.
Draw the palmar side of the index across the forehead from left to right, resting the thumb upon the right temple, then make the sign for _chief_--the white chief, "Secretary;" then make the sign for _great lodge, council house_, by making the sign for _lodge_, then placing both hands somewhat bent, palms facing, about ten inches apart, and passing them upward from the waist as high as the face. (_Arikara_ I.)
WHERE IS YOUR MOTHER?
After placing the index into the mouth--_mother_, point the index at the individual addressed--_your_, then separate and extend the index and second fingers of the right hand; hold them, pointing forward, about twelve or fifteen inches before the face, and move them from side to side, eyes following the same direction--_I see_, then throw the flat right hand in a short curve outward to the right until the back points toward the ground--_not_, and look inquiringly at the individual addressed. (_Ute_ I.) "Mother your I see not; where is she?"
ARE YOU BRAVE?
Point to the person and make sign for _brave_, at same time looking with an inquiring expression. (_Absaroka_ I; _Shoshoni and Banak_ I.)
BISON, I HAVE SHOT A.
Move the open left hand, palm to the front, toward the left and away from the body slowly (motion of the buffalo when chased). Move right hand on wrist as axis, rapidly (man on pony chasing buffalo); then extend left hand to the left, draw right arm as if drawing a bow, snap the forefinger and middle finger of left hand, and thrust the right forefinger over the left hand. (_Omaha_ I.)
GIVE ME SOMETHING TO EAT.
Bring the thumb, index and second fingers to a point as if grasping a small object, the remaining fingers naturally extended, then place the hand just above the mouth and a few inches in front of it, and make repeated thrusts quickly toward the mouth several times; then place the naturally extended right hand nearly at arm's length before the body, palm up, fingers pointing toward the front and left, and make a short circular motion with the hand, as in Fig. 301, bringing the outer edge toward the body as far as the wrist will permit, throwing the hand forward again at a higher elevation. The motion being at the wrist only. (_Absaroka_ I; _Dakota_ VII, VIII; _Comanche_ III.)
I WILL SEE YOU HERE AFTER NEXT YEAR.
Raise the right hand above the head (J 2), palm to the front, all the fingers closed except the index, hand slanting a little to backward, then move forward and downward toward the person addressed, describing a curve. (_Omaha_ I.)
YOU GAVE US MANY CLOTHES, BUT WE DON'T WANT THEM.
Lean forward, and, holding the hands concavo-convex, draw them up over the limbs severally, then cross on the chest as wrapping a blanket. The arms are then extended before the body, with the hands in type-position (W), to a height indicating a large pile. The right hand then sweeps outward, showing a negative state of mind. The index of right hand finally touches the chest of the second party and approaches the body, in position (I), horizontal. (_Oto and Missouri_ I.) "Something to put on that I don't want from you."
QUESTION. SEE ALSO THIS TITLE IN EXTRACTS FROM DICTIONARY.
Hold the extended and flattened right hand, palm forward, at the height of the shoulder or face, and about fifteen inches from it, shaking the hand from side to side (at the wrist) as the arm is slightly raised, resembling the outline of an interrogation mark (_?_) made from below upward. (_Absaroka_ I; _Dakota_ V, VI, VII; _Hidatsa_ I; _Kaiowa_ I; _Arikara_ I; _Comanche_ II, III; _Pai-Ute_ I; _Shoshoni and Banak_ I; _Ute_ I; _Apache_ I, II; _Wichita_ II.)
---- What? What is it?
First attract the person's notice by the sign for _attention_, viz: The right hand (T) carried directly out in front of the body, with arm fully extended and there moved sidewise with rapid motions; and then the right hand, fingers extended, pointing forward or outward, fingers joined, horizontal, is carried outward, obliquely in front of the right breast, and there turned partially over and under several times. (_Dakota_ I.)
---- What are you doing? What do you want?
Throw the right hand about a foot from right to left several times, describing an arc with its convexity upward, palm inward, fingers slightly bent and separated, and pointing forward. (_Dakota_ IV.)
---- When?
With its index extended and pointing forward, back upward, rotate the right hand several times to the right and left, describing an arc with the index. (_Dakota_ IV.)
---- What are you? i.e., What tribe do you belong to?
Shake the upright open right hand four to eight inches from side to side a few times, from twelve to eighteen inches in front of the chin, the palm forward, fingers relaxed and a little separated. (_Dakota_ IV.)
It must be remarked that in the three preceding signs there is no essential difference, either between themselves or between them and the general sign for QUESTION above given, which can be applied to the several special questions above mentioned. A similar remark may be made regarding several signs given below, which are printed in deference to collaborators.
Pass the right hand from left to right across the face. (_Kutine_ I.)
---- What do you want?
The arm is drawn to front of chest and the hand in position (N 1), modified by palms being downward and hand horizontal. From the chest center the hand is then passed spirally forward toward the one addressed; the hand's palm begins the spiral motion with a downward and ends in an upward aspect. (_Oto_ I.) "To unwind or open."
---- Whence come you?
First the sign for _you_, viz: The hand open, held upward obliquely, and pointing forward; then the hand, extended open and drawn to the breast, and lastly the sign for _bringing_, as follows: The hand half shut, with the thumb pressing against the forefinger, being first moderately extended either to the right or left, is brought with a moderate jerk to the opposite side, as if something was pulled along by the hand. (_Dunbar_.)
---- Who are you? or what is your name?
The right or left hand approximates close to center of the body; the arm is flexed and hand in position (D), or a little more closed. From inception of sign near center of body the hand slowly describes the arc of a quadrant, and fingers unfold as the hand recedes. We think the proper intention is for the inception of sign to be located at the heart, but it is seldom truly, anatomically thus located. (_Oto_ I.) "To unfold one's self or make known."
---- Are you through?
With arms hanging at the side and forearms horizontal, place the fists near each other in front of body: then with a quick motion separate them as though breaking something asunder. (_Sahaptin_ I.)
---- Do you know?
Shake the right hand in front of the face, a little to the right, the whole arm elevated so as to throw the hand even with the face, and the forearm standing almost perpendicular. Principal motion with hand, slight motion of forearm, palm out. (_Sahaptin_ I.)
---- How far is it?
Sign for DO YOU KNOW? followed with a precise movement throwing right hand (palm toward face) to a position as far from body as convenient, signifying _far_; then with the same quick, precise motion, bring the hand to a position near the face--_near_. (_Sahaptin_ I.)
---- How will you go--horseback or in wagon?
First make the sign for DO YOU KNOW? then throw right hand forward--_go_ or _going_; then throw fore and middle fingers of right astride the forefinger of the left hand, signifying, _will you ride?_; then swing the forefingers of each hand around each other, sign of _wheel running_, signifying, _or will you go in wagon_? (_Sahaptin_ I.)
---- How many?
After making the sign for _question_, touch the tips of as many of the extended and separated fingers of the left hand held in front of the body upright, with back outward, with the right index as may be necessary. (_Dakota_ I.) "Count them off to me--how many?"
Place the left hand carelessly before the breast, fingers extended and slightly separated, back to the front, then count off a few with the extended index, by laying down the fingers of the left, beginning at the little finger, as in Fig. 302. In asking the question, the sign for _question_ must precede the sign for _many_, the latter being also accompanied by a look of interrogation. (_Shoshoni and Banak_ I.)
---- Has he?
_Deaf-mute natural sign_:
Move to and fro the finger several times toward the person spoken of (_Larson_.)
---- Have you?
_Deaf-mute natural sign_:
Move the finger to and fro several times toward the person to whom the one is speaking. (_Larson_.)
---- Are you?
_Deaf-mute natural signs_:
Point to the person spoken to and slightly nod the head, with an inquiring look. (_Ballard_.)
Point with the forefinger, as if to point toward the second person, at the same time nod the head as if to say "yes." (_Ziegler_.)
The following was obtained at Washington during the winter of 1880-'81 from Ta-ta[n]-ka Wa-ka[n] (Medicine Bull), a Brule Dakota chief; by Dr. W.J. HOFFMAN.
I AM GOING HOME IN TWO DAYS.
(1) Place the flat hands in front of and as high as the elbows, palms down, pass each hand across to the opposite side of the body, the right above the left crossing near the wrist at the termination of the gesture (_night_), repeat in quick succession--_nights_, (2) elevate the extended index and second finger of the right hand, backs to the front--_two_, (3) place the tips of the extended and joined fingers of the right hand against the breast--_I_, (4) after touching the breast as in the preceding, pass the extended index from the breast, pointing downward, forward nearly to arm's length, and terminating by holding the hand but continuing the motion of the index until it points forward and upward--_am going to_, (5) throw the clinched right fist about six inches toward the earth at arm's length after the completion of the preceding gesture--_my home_.
ANALYSIS.
Ha[n]-he'-pi | no[n]'-pa | mi'-ye | ti-ya'-ta | wa-gle'-kta. (1) | (2) | (3) | (5) | (4) nights | two | I | my home | am going to.