The Art of String Figures
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The Art of String Figures - International String Figure Association
www.doverpublications.com
Getting Started
Fingers, Loops, Strings, and Commands
String figures are made with an endless loop. The size that is best for you depends on how big you are and the complexity of the design you are making.
A span is the distance between the tips of your hands when your arms are outstretched, as shown. A loop made from a 1-span string works well for most string figures. Simpler figures require a loop made from a ½-span string. Complicated designs can require loops made from 1½, 2, 2½, or even 3-span strings.
To join the ends of a string made from synthetic fibers (eg, nylon, polyester), flame the ends until they melt (with adult supervision), then touch them together. For a string made from natural fibers (eg, cotton, hemp), use molten nylon as glue.
Each step of the weaving process is illustrated. We use arrows to show what your fingers and hands should do to advance to the next step.
Often you will need to release a loop and extend the figure (separate your hands to absorb the slack). We use a black square ■ to indicate which finger should release its loop.
Whenever an arrow and a black square appear in the same illustration, perform the action illustrated by the arrow first. An arrow-square combination often indicates a loop transfer.
Although you should be able to make all the string figures by looking at the pictures, we’ve supplied written instructions in case you get stuck. Abbreviations and terms are summarized below.
The fingers of each hand are numbered 1 to 5.
L stands for Left. R stands for Right.
Loops are named after the fingers they surround.
Each loop has a near string (n) and a far string (f).
The near string is the string closest to finger 1.
The far string is the string closest to finger 5.
Loops can be entered from above (the side nearest the fingertip) or below (the side nearest the knuckle).
When two loops surround a finger, the loop nearest the fingertip is the upper loop. The loop nearest the knuckle is the lower loop.
Perform all actions with both hands simultaneously. If an R or an L precedes a finger, loop, or string name, perform the action on the indicated hand only.
Lightning
collected by Sir Raymond Firth from the people of the Solomon Islands
RECOMMENDED STRING LENGTH: 1½ SPANS
This action figure is known throughout the Pacific. The initial pattern, which represents heavy rain, can be partially dissolved and reformed over and over again.
Place loop on 1 and 5 (Position 1).
R2 picks up L palmar string.
L2, through R2 loop from above, picks up R palmar string.
You now have Opening A.
Mouth, over all strings, bites center of 5f and returns.
L2, over intervening strings, picks up R mouth string and returns.
R2, over intervening strings, picks up L mouth string and returns.
Mouth releases its loop.
1 releases its loop. Hands separate to absorb the slack.
1, through lower 2 loop from above, picks up lower and upper 2f and returns under upper 2n.
3, over upper 2n, picks up lower 2n.
1 gently releases its loops to form hanging strings.
1, over hanging strings, picks up upper 2n.
4 and 5 hook down 3f. (5 enters its own loop from above.) 2 and 3 also touch the palm to complete the extension.
The vertical lines that span the frame strings represent the heavy rain of a thunderstorm.
To simulate the sudden appearance of lightning, quickly unfold 2, 4, and 5 while simultaneously releasing the loops from 1 and 3. This definitely requires practice and coordination!
The pattern dissolves.
Repeat steps 5–10 over and over to simulate rain followed by bursts of lightning. (Include appropriate sound effects.)