Sign talk

by Ernest Thompson Seton

Fr. l’alêne; Ger. die Ahle.

Axe or Hatchet. Hold out the flat right hand, back to right, wrist bent downward. Make as though chopping with it; that is, strike down once or twice. Some also grasp it near the elbow with left index and thumb, but the Cheyennes omit this. For Hatchet, indicate Size. See Tomahawk.

Fr. la hache; Ger. das Beil.

B

Baby. Swing the flat right hand (sometimes S hand) in the hollow of the left arm as though it were a baby. Add signs for sex and size when needed. Compare Tomahawk.

Fr. le bébé; Ger. das Kindchen, der Säugling.

Bachelor. Sign Man, Marriage, No. (C)

Fr. le célibataire; Ger. der Junggeselle.