1. Place an untwisted loop around 1 and 2.

2. R1 and R2, from above and from the left, catch the L dorsal string and draw it to the right between L1 and L2 while rotating a half turn toward the body and up.

3. Repeat step 2 on the right side with L1 and L2 catching the lower dorsal string. At this stage you have formed a figure resembling the Soldier’s Bed stage of Cat’s Cradle.

4. 5, over intervening strings, picks up lower 1f. Release 1 loops.

5. 1 picks up both 2n strings to widen the double 2 loop. Extend with fingers spread and pointing away from the body.

WATCH VIDEO

Notes: Steps 2-3 are similar to steps 3-4 of Two Arrowheads. In sandpaintings five-pointed stars are rare — most have four points. Newcomb suggests that they were introduced recently, possibly adopted from stars in the American flag (Newcomb et al. 1956:25). Among the Navajo the number five is rather ambivalent: it is associated with witchcraft but can also be used to cure the effects of witchcraft (Reichard 1950:244-247).

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

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