The Bluejay

Collected by Julia Averkieva from the Kwakwaka'wakw (Kwakiutl) of Vancouver Island, Canada. According to local tradition all people are derived from animal spirits living in the sky. This figure represents Bluejay Woman, who lives in the doorless supernatural house of the son of the Sun. After treating male visitors to dried berries, she eats their pupils and sucks their brains out.

<Full-length video in Windows Media Player>

Step-by-Step Video Clips

Written Instructions (String Length: ¾ span)

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Step 1 - Place loop on L1 and L2.

With R345 grasp L2f and L1n about 1 foot (30 cm) from the L hand.

R2 hooks L1f-L2n to the right, rotating away and up as it returns.