The design shown in Figure 55 is in imitation of etchings made by natives of Southern Alaska to convey to the observer the information that the recorder had gone away to another settlement the inhabitants of which were in distress. The drawings were put on a strip of wood and placed at the door of the house where it might be seen by visitors or inquirers.
Fig. 55.—Notice of departure to relieve distress. Alaska.
Naumoff gave the following explanation:
1. A native making the gesture of indicating self with the right hand, and with the left indicating direction and going.
2. The native’s habitation.
3. Scaffold used for drying fish. Upon the top of the pole is placed a piece of wood tied so that the longest end points in the direction to be taken by the recorder.
4. The baidarka conveying the recorder.
5. A native of the settlement to be visited.
6. Summer habitation.