Knife used to enhance fish for a better sale price

mackerel plow

FISHING GEAR
wood; metal
Overall: 2 7/8 x 7 7/8 x 5/8 in.

Mackerel plow [knife]; in shape of fish; wood with galvanized metal-clad "tail" with rusted metal blade; cut out "mouth" at end of open handle, 2 "fins", an additional fin broken off, cut out heart between body and tail; cut out heart in metal and 2 other cutouts in metal possibly to represent tail fins; one side of handle has wooden inlays of 2 hearts, a 4-pointed star, 2 double diamonds, and square with 2 diamonds; other side of handle has wooden inlays of heart, 4-pointed star, 2 double diamonds (1 inlay missing), 1 triple diamond; top of handle has inlay of 4-pointed star, and diamond joined to 2 hearts. Folk art. Used to slit mackerel flesh to enhance its appearance for sale.


1996.40.3

Related Subjects

Fishing
View
Folk art
View