LLX > Neil Parker > String Figures > Jayne

Emu's Nest

These insructions are from [Tessmann 2001] (Pangwe figure 11, "Toilet"), slightly altered to match Roth's illustration. No photograph is provided, because I don't have enough limbs to display the figure properly and operate the camera.

This figure must be done sitting down, with the right knee bent and pointing to the right, as shown in the illustration.

1. Hold the loop in both hands, with one hand at each end.

2. Pass the two transverse strings of the loop on the far side of the bent right knee, left hand above the leg, and right hand below it. Bring the hands together on the near side of the knee.

3. Pass the left hand (still holding its end of the loop) through the loop held by the right hand. Release the loop held by the right hand, and transfer the left-hand loop to the right hand (withdrawing the left hand from the loop that has just fallen on it). Pull the new right-hand loop tight, so that the end of the former right-hand loop lies against the leg.

4. Bend the right-hand loop up, and lay it against the leg, releasing the right hand.

5. Pass the right hand through the loop just released, and pick up the rightmost of the two strings behind it. Similarly, pass the left hand through the loop just released, and pick up the leftmost of the two strings behind it.

An egg in the nest can be represented by placing an object (Roth's informant used a bean) inside the crook of the knee.

LLX > Neil Parker > String Figures > Jayne