Among the natives this figure is known as Huewai o Kupoloula, or 'Water Gourd of Kupoloula.' A chant accompanies this figure: "Hail, my watergourd, whose body I have known, I have known you to your middle, delicious indeed."
The kiwi is a flightless bird that inhabits New Zealand. The two central diamonds represent the kiwi's body. The triangles are its wings.
This easy trick seems to have its origin in Japan where it is found in many Ayatori (String Figure) books. Fingers appear to be snared in string, but a simple tug sets them free.
Here is an imaginative three-dimensional string design. Natives call this figure Saburiwa. The loops on the right index and middle finger form the upper jaw, and the right wrist strings the lower jaw. Loops surrounding the left thumb and left little finger represent the howling monkey's exposed teeth.
Here is a pleasing string design that is partially supported by your neck. A modern man might interpret this figure as a 'Necktie' but Africans see 'A Bed'. Of course, when any string is around your neck proceed cautiously. The native name for this figure is Kitala.
Mr. Stephen, stranded for many years on Nauru, collected and mounted this specimen, which he gave to Dr. William Henry Furness, 3rd, in the early 1900s. The figure was made using string formed from plaited human hair. Dr. Furness gave the specimen to his sister, Caroline Furness Jayne, who included a picture of it in the back of her book (see fig. 827). Only recently has it been reconstructed.
