For some tribes, winter means it’s time to take out the string. Choreographed finger movements weave strings into intricate figures and designs—stars, animals, heroes and tricksters. Depending on the pattern, a person playing string games can hold an entire story in their hands. String figures are made all over the world and many tribes in the U.S. have their own stories behind them. How does your tribe use string figures? What’s your favorite string game?

Guests:

Dave Nicolai (Yupik Eskimo) — traditional storyteller

Mark Sherman – Director of the International String Figure Association

Break Music: Power in the Blood (song) (artist) Power in the Blood (album)