Figure 9: The whale crania with the proximal ends of each mandible pulled out from the base of the skull. Click for a larger, labelled image.
Examining the roof frame from different vantage points using Figure 6 draws ones attention to the unique placement of whale crania along one side of the dwelling. Figure 11 presents the scanned whale cranium, oriented so the mouth points up and the proximal ends of each mandible are pulled out from the skull. In Figure 12, the whalebone roof frame is presented as a slow pan over the house that begins in profile. By positioning the crania and mandibles on opposing sides of the house pit, the roof structure acquires a strong resemblance to the re-oriented whale cranium. This may have been done intentionally to mimic the anatomical positions of mandibles, maxillae, and crania. The result is a distinctive house profile that evokes the image of the resident family living metaphorically within the mouth of a whale.
Figure 9: The whale crania with the proximal ends of each mandible pulled out from the base of the skull. Click for a larger, labelled image.
Figure 10: The roof frame of House 8 in profile
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