ABSTRACT
In much Eskimo work movement is concentrated in the forearm and hand and executed in front of the body. Relatively few body parts come into play in any one activity-usually trunk, forearm, and hands. Posture is slightly stooped, with legs wide apart and knees somewhat bent. This body attitude, "frontal plane with right and left stress," dominates the life of the Eskimos indoors and out. The square design of Eskimo skin clothing underscores this impression, but other American aboriginals, who appear virtually nude in films, present an equally solid, squared-away posture. It is a body attitude that provides a sturdy base of concentrated and stable power from which strong, direct, thrusting, chopping, and slashing movements may be launched and quick recovery made.
