String Figures of Papua New Guinea by Philip P. Noble
Institute of PNG Studies (Singapore)(1979).
The Revd. Philip Noble, an I.G.K.T. member, collected over 140 string figures (the “cat’s cradle” kind) while an Anglican Mission priest in various parts of PNG from 1972 to 1975. He’s a remarkable fellow who also practises 22 clowning, and this wholly original treatise in paperback came about through his use of an interest in games to open up relationships and cross language barriers. His book may be hard to find - and the price can only be guessed (but modest, I imagine) - so do keep an eye out for it. Like me, it could help you master such simple (but NOT all easy) delights as “Jumping Frog”, “Fighting Men”, ‘Nose Bone”, or “Dog and Wallaby Chase”, and wonder about the survival of this symbolism of ancient story tellers.
G B