Close the right hand, leaving the index straight but flexed at right angles with the palm; pass it horizontally to the left by and under the nose. (Comanche II.) "Pierced nose." Fig. 296. This sign is made by the Nez Percés for themselves, according to Major Haworth. Information was received from Arapaho and Cheyenne Indians, who visited Washington in 1880, that this sign is also used to designate the Caddos, who practiced the same custom of perforating the nasal septum. The same informants also state that the Shawnees are sometimes indicated by the same sign.
Pass the extended index, pointing toward the left, remaining fingers and thumb closed, in front of and across the upper lip, just below the nose. The second finger is also sometimes extended. (Shoshoni and Banak I.) "From the custom of piercing the noses for the reception of ornaments."
See p. [345] for remarks upon the signs for Sahaptin.
SATSIKA. See Blackfeet.
SELISH. See Flathead.
SHEEPEATER. See under Shoshoni.
SHAWNEE. See remarks under Sahaptin.
SHOSHONI, or SNAKE.
The forefinger is extended horizontally and passed along forward in a serpentine line. (Long.)
Right hand closed, palm down, placed in front of the right hip; extend the index and push it diagonally toward the left front, rotating it quickly from side to side in doing so. (Absaroka I; Shoshoni and Banak I.) "Snake." Fig. 297.