Sign talk

by Ernest Thompson Seton

Brother-in-Law. Left forearm across breast; with lower edge of flat right, strike down past left elbow. Probably means relative on the side. (R. B.)

Fr. le beau-frère; Ger. der Schwager.

Bucket. Sign Bowl, then indicate the handle.

Fr. le seau; Ger. der Eimer.

Buffalo (Curved horns). Hold the curved G fingers palms toward and close to sides of head; raise the hands slightly and carry them a little to the front. To distinguish domestic cattle, add Spotted. The Navahos reverse this; that is, with them the curved horns as above means Cattle, to which they add Beard, to mean Buffalo.

Fr. le bison; Ger. der Büffel.

Bullet. Sign Fire off; then grasp the forefinger of the hand with the second finger and thumb, so that the tip of it will so extend beyond them and represent the ball.

Fr. la balle; Ger. die Kugel.