DKH01-001_abis - abis 'Shrimp'

This string figure represents a juvenile freshwater shrimp (Macrobrachium spp). When the level of the Konmei creek is low, Awiakay teenagers spend evenings and nights in their canoes, spearing them. Unlike the adult specimen, called poŋ, which can be a substantial meal and are either given to someone as a gift, or shared within the family, abis are immediately put on the fire and eaten by the children or the teenagers who caught them. When the design of this string figure emerges, the maker says, ‘this is a shrimp’ and then makes another move which represents spearing. Images: 02: abis ‘shrimp’ final design 03: Darja Munbaŋgoapik showing the final design ‘abis’ . Language as given: Awiakay