String figures are really fun to make! Long before TV, or even books, people were using string figures to illustrate the stories they told around the campfire.
What are string figures?
String figures are designs formed from nothing more than a loop of string. Most of the time, people use their fingers to weave string figures, but sometimes, they also use their toes, knees, elbows, and mouth. The result is often a fabulous pattern!
Who invented them, and why?
No one knows for sure. String figures were once known to nearly all native inhabitants of East Asia, Australia, Africa, the Arctic, the Americas, and the Pacific Islands. In fact, some designs are believed to be ancient, perhaps dating from the stone age. Their function varied from place to place. In some locations, string figures provided a much needed artistic outlet -- competitions were held to see who could make the most interesting design. In other locations, string figures were used by tribal storytellers to illustrate their tales. Elsewhere, string figures served as good luck charms to help ensure a bountiful harvest or a successful hunt. But in most locations, string figures were made simply to kill time!
Some interesting patterns
(see if u can identify e picts formed using e string)
the string game!
Homecoming for ex-cedarians to launch the opening of Cedar Youth Wing
1 comment:
The art of sting manipulation is almost gone from our part of the world! There are a lucky few who remember the old string figures (whai), their ancient names and the associated stories!
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