| Origin: | Inuit, Navajo |
| History: | String figures and games have been found and collected from all over the world. Nobody really knows how they started or who started developing these complex patterns with string. The Inuit created some of the most complicated and beautiful string figures. This activity was seen as a hobby and as a form of art, however it also was used to help develop stories that were told by the fire. |
| Original Materials: | Sinew or a leather thong |
| Adapted Materials: | Nylon cord or any string (approx. 2 meters in length) that is melted or tied together. |
| To Create: | Check out The "Many Stars" Family for instructions on how to create some Navajo string figures. |
| Math Content: | Patterns and relations, geometry, problem solving |
| Sources: | More figures and information can be found in the following books and websites:
Gryski C. (1983). Cat's Cradle, Owl's Eyes: A Book of String Games. Toronto, On: Kids Can Press. Gryski C. (1985). Many Stars and More String Games. Toronto, On: Kids Can Press. Here is a list of links from the International String Figure Association |
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