Golden Eagle (Airplane)
(1,2,3,4,5)

1. Opening A.

2. 2 passes away from the body, over 2f and 5 loop, then down behind the 5 loop, then toward the body under all intervening strings and enters the 1 loop from below. 2 catches up 1n and returns to position.

3. Release 1 loop.

4. 1 hooks down the lower 2n string, passes under the intervening strings, picks up 5f, and returns.

5. 1 hooks down the upper 2n string, drawing it through the 1 loop, which slips off. Then 1 moves under the intervening strings and passes upward on the near side of 5n. Moving toward the center of the figure, 1 catches 5n on its back then points downward on the near side of upper 2n (central segment).

6. 1 moves upward and catches on its back the center section of upper 2n and draws it through the 1 loop, which slips off. Release the 2 loops and extend with the fingers pointed away from the body.

WATCH VIDEO

Notes: This figure is also known to the Inuit of Alaska (Jayne 1906:362). The Navajo name for this figure is Ats1 Nitsaa7 (Golden Eagle). Eagle feathers and bones are used in ceremonies. Today this figure has a different name Chid7 Naat'a'7 (Airplane) (Mitchell 1999:20). In the early 1970s two Navajo men taught it to Greg Keith (1994:4,8-9). They called it ‘Eagle Diving upon its Prey’ or ‘Road Going into the Distance Between Two Mountains.’

Navajo word display problems? Please install the Verdana Navajo font, downloadable by clicking HERE.

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