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The Plains Indians developed a sign language composed of gestures made almost entirely with the hands and fingers with which they were able to communicate facts and feelings of considerable complexity. The gestures of this sign language were nearly universal from the northern Plains Indians to as far south as those Indians living within the territories of Mexico. This allowed virtually any Indian, regardless of tribe or language to communicate freely with any other Indian. Sign language is elemental, basic and logical - easily learned, and straightforward in expressing ideas. Fluency in sign language was an important skill for any mountain man. Because the mountain men traveled extensively, often passing through the territories of multiple tribes within a single season, it was usually not possible to have an oral interpreter for every language which might be encountered. Sign language solved this problem. For more information see: Indian
Sign Language; by William Tomkins, published by Dover Publications,
Inc. 1969. The book is based on the authors experiences amongst the
Souix Indians in the latest 1800's. The book conveys the meanings of
over 800 common words using drawings and short descriptions. A
practice section at the back proceeding from simple to increasingly
complex are intended to sharpen the skill of the user. An excellent
reference for anyone seriously contemplating acquisition of this
skill.
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