The specimens from this area are more or less spatulate in form, but
very irregular, with the handle varying from that of the razor-strop to
the spiral, twisted form of the Eskimo skin-scraper (Fig. 9). On the
whole, these implements are quite similar to the next group. A section
across the middle of the implement would be trapezoidal with incurved
sides. In two of the specimens not figured these curved sides are
brought upward until they join the upper surface, making a graceful
ornament. The handles are not symmetrical, the sides for the thumb being
shaved out so as to fit the muscles conveniently. Places for the fingers
are provided thus: There is an index-finger cavity quite through the
stick indeed, but the index-finger catches in the interior of the wood
and does not pass through as in the eastern Arctic types. The middle
finger rests against an ivory or wooden peg. This is the first
appearance of this feature. It will be noted after this on all the
throwing-sticks as the most prominent feature until we come to Kadiak,
but the Unalashkans do not use it on their throwing-sticks. Cavities for
the three last finger-tips are not always present, and the hooks at the
distal ends for the extremities of the weapons are very large plugs of
wood or ivory and have beveled edges rather than points for the
reception of the butt end of the weapon to be thrown.