Looking around the internet at fids, I run across a few, carved fids that have a fist on the end. Many are carved in whale bone. I also find ivory cane handles with the same design. Can anyone tell me what the significance of the fist on the end might be? Thanks, Joe
Good question! Welcome to the forum, joeeagle66.
I’ve seen them on the end of tillers, too.
The fist refers to the slogan, “Hold Fast!” (I believe…)
Nice one Tim!
I found that “Hand over Fist” is a nautical term, too.
http://www.english-for-students.com/Hand-Over-Fist-1.html
Maybe they couldn’t tie a monkey’s fist, so they carved a fist instead…(LOL)