Figure 1.

Six string figures with varying structural features and geographical distributions. Jacob’s ladder: one of the most widespread string figures (electronic supplementary material, 3). Takapau: a symmetrical string figure widely distributed in Oceania (electronic supplementary material, 3). Hare: an animated string figure common across the Arctic, representing a hare or caribou. The figure can be set to move as if it runs from right to left; it disappears when it reaches the left end. Many stars: a figure exclusive to western North America. Swan: a complex asymmetrical animal-form string figure documented among the Copper Inuit. Exemplary of Arctic string figure traditions, the Swan is associated with a story: the swan resolves into a loop when the maker releases it, representing a swan leaving its lake behind. Na Ubwebwe: a simple four-diamond motif, and perhaps the most widespread string figure structure in Oceania. Although it is made with various methods (electronic supplementary material, 3), its structure is practically exclusive to the Oceanic region. A map illustrating the geographical distribution of each of the six string figures in our dataset.