View sign 'arrow'

arrow

Image

Description

(meaning: drawing an arrow from the left hand)

Hold left hand, well out in front of left breast, fingers touching and partially curved, thumb curved, forming with index finger nearly a complete circle, space of about an inch between tip of index and thumb, left forearm pointing to right and front; With right hand indicate drawing and arrow out of the cupped left hand.


References: bow

Notes

Tomkins says to just indicate drawing an arrow from the cupped left hand. Clark says to place the extended index finger of right hand, back outwards, and to right, in the center of the circle formed by thumb and index, other fingers and thumb closed; the index of right hand held parallel to palm of left hand, draw the right hand to right and rear, keeping index on line with prolongation of its first position.

Tomkins also says to hold the left hand near left breast, while Clark says to hold it well out in front of left breast which would seem more natural.

Clark notes that when hunting or fighting and ready for action, one or two extra arrows were carried in the left hand, and usually one in the mouth. Some tribes make the sign for BOW, and snap the index fingers to denote the arrow.