Shepherd's crook

Common card · No. 244588

A shepherd's crook is a long and sturdy stick with a hook at one end, often with the point flared outwards, used by a shepherd to manage and sometimes catch sheep. In addition, the crook may aid in defending against attack by predators. When traversing rough terrain, a crook is an aid to balance (like a trekking pole). Shepherds may also use the long implement to part thick undergrowth (for example at the edge of a drovers' road) when searching for lost sheep or potential predators (such as wolves, etc.), as a staff-weapon for self-defence, and as a panking pole (used to shake ripe fruit, such as apples and pears, from high branches during harvesting).

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