The fingers are, however, often employed in counting numbers far above the first decade.

After giving the Il-Oigob numerals up to 60, Mueller adds:[8] "Above 60 all numbers, indicated by the proper figure pantomime, are expressed by means of the word _ipi_." We know, moreover, that many of the American Indian tribes count one ten after another on their fingers; so that, whatever number they are endeavouring to indicate, we need feel no surprise if the savage continues to use his fingers throughout the entire extent of his counts.

In rare instances we find tribes which, like the Mairassis of the interior of New Guinea, appear to use nothing but finger pantomime.[9] This tribe, though by no means destitute of the number sense, is said to have no numerals whatever, but to use the single word _awari_ with each show of fingers, no matter how few or how many are displayed.
In the methods of finger counting employed by savages a considerable degree of uniformity has been observed.

Not only does he use his fingers to assist him in his tally, but he almost always begins with the little finger of his left hand, thence proceeding towards the thumb, which is 5.

From this point onward the method varies.