What is "string figure"

A string figure is a design formed by manipulating string on, around, and using one's fingers or sometimes between the fingers of multiple people. String figures may also involve the use of the mouth, wrist, and feet. They may consist of singular images or be created and altered as a game, known as a string game, or as part of a story involving various figures made in sequence (string story). String figures have also been used for divination, such as to predict the sex of an unborn child.

The most popular and well-known string game appears to be cat's cradle. According to Jayne, a trick known as "The Mouse" is, "probably the most widely distributed of all the string figures," known to Murray Island, Germany, Inuit, N. & S. America, Japan, Philippines, Australia, Batwa, Negrito, Linao Moros, Chippewa, Osage, Navajo, Apache, Omaha, Japanese, Torres Straits, Irish, Wajiji, and Alaskan Inuit people. String figures, which are well distributed throughout the world, include " Jacob's Ladder" ("Osage Diamonds", "Fishnet"), "Cup and Saucer" ("Sake Glass", "Coffee Cup"), and "Tree Hole" ("The Moon Gone Dark", "Sun", "Moon").