Page 17 - Randy Penn "Everything Knots Book : Step-By-Step Instructions for Tying Any Knot"

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THE EVER YTHING KNOTS BOOK

many other parts of animals have been used throughout the ages.
Before recorded history, humans had this same “hardware store”
available to them as in more recent times.

QUESTION?

How would a caveman react if he were to come across a roll
of modern synthetic twine? Would he marvel at its strength?
Probably. Modern synthetics are many times stronger than
their equivalent size in natural fibers. Nevertheless, he may
not want to use our modern cordage. He might find that the
knots he was using to secure his more natural cordage would
not hold on the more slippery modern material.

Inspired by Nature

Early humans must have been inspired to tie their first knots
by what they saw around them. Spider webs, bird nests, and even
the complex structures of many plants may have given them a hint
as to how to proceed. Occasionally small game would become tan-
gled in undergrowth, and even fish would become entangled in
underwater growth. Nature can be a great teacher of what cordage
can accomplish.

FACT

There are many knot tyers in the animal kingdom. Gorillas
have been seen tying Granny Knots and even Square Knots to
hold saplings down in their nests. Captive monkeys are
known to untie and retie knots found in their cages. The
hagfish ties itself in an overhand knot, and the weaverbird
ties a number of knots in nest making.

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