WranglerX
Elite Member
I always thought it was a ancient sailing knot on the end of a light line for heaving to someone on another ship or boat or dock and the light line was used to pull heavier line (hauser) across for whatever reason..... The "original" monkey fist knot actually had a weight inside the knot...The only good application I’ve found for it is on my deer drag rope. But I think its history comes from sailing?
A monkey's fist | Brixton Windmill & Education Centre
In Brixton Windmill, at the end of the rope banisters, are some decorative knotted balls. These are known as monkey’s fist knots.
www.brixtonwindmill.org