Indian Sign Language Online

Notes

Tomkins says to raise hands until wrists are on the edges of the head.

Clark notes that this is the sign generally used for buffalo, regardless of sex or age, used as we use the word.

To represent a buffalo bull, make the described sign for BUFFALO, the bring the right hand, back up, in front of center of belly, close to it, index finger extended pointing to front and upwards, other fingers and thumb closed. (Sign for MALE). The sign for buffalo bull is also frequently made by bring the compressed hands from above downwards to near basis of brain, fingers partially curved, so that tips touch tip of thumb, backs of hands mostly up; this represents the large horns of the bull.

To represent a buffalo cow, make the sign for BUFFALO as described, and then sign for FEMALE.

To represent a buffalo calf, make the sign for BUFFALO, for PARTURITION, and hold right hand, back up, fingers extended, touching, and pointing to front, in front and to right of body at supposed height of calf; this latter is general in representing height of all animals. Some Indians represent a buffalo calf by holding hands closed, with the exception of thumbs, which are extended and pointing upwards, close to the ears, back of right hand to right, left to left; by wrist action twist hands simultaneously so that back will be to the front; repeat motion. In using this sign for buffalo calf,--the second described sign for buffalo bull,--the first described sign for buffalo would then represent a buffalo cow. Some Indians make sign for the horns, and indicate dark or black hair for buffalo.