Terms
In string figure literature there are many phrases often used, however there may be some variation with the fingers, loops, and strings indicated in different ways. A loop is the strings that go around the back of a finger, multiple fingers, or another body part such as the wrist. Some authors name the strings, fingers and their loops (near middle finger string, right index finger, pinky loop, for example), while others number them (3n, R1, 5 loop). One of the first methods of recording figures and sets of terminology was "A Method of Recording String Figures and Tricks" by W. H. R. Rivers and A. C. Haddon.
Below are some common moves, openings, and extensions.
- Openings
- Murray Opening/Index Opening: Grasp the loop with your middle, ring, and little fingers so that there is a couple inches of string between them. Put these fingers together so there is a circle made by the overlapping strings. Insert your index finger from your far side into the circle, then rotate the index finger upwards, circling towards you.
- Position 1: Put the untwisted loop on your thumb and little fingers.
- Opening A and Japanese Opening: To do Opening A, first do Position 1. Then make the right index finger pick up the string on the left hand going between the thumb and the little finger. Finally, make the left index finger go between both strings of right index finger, and pick up the string going from the right thumb to little finger. The Japanese Opening is almost the same except you pick up the strings with your middle fingers, not index fingers.
- Extensions
- Caroline Extension: Starting with a loop on the thumb, lift the string in the nook of the index finger, then pinch it between the index finger and thumb. This requires a lot of practice to do properly, so don't get discouraged if you fail at first.
- Moves
- Pick up
- Navajo leap or "navajoing": Given two loops on one finger, move the lower loop over the upper loop and release it from the finger.
- Release
- Transfer
- Rotate
- Share
Read more about this topic: String Figure
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