Shepherd's crook
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. Shepherds may also use the long implement to part thick undergrowth when searching for lost sheep or potential predators.Symbolic use
The innovation of a hook facilitates the recovery of fallen animals by ensnaring them by neck or leg. For this reason the crook has been used as a religious symbol of care, including the Christian bishop's crosier.
In medicine, the term shepherd’s crook is used to describe a right coronary artery that follows an unusually high and winding route. This variant, which has a prevalence of about 5%, imposes technical problems in angioplasty procedures.
Thalia, Muse of comedy in Greek mythology, was usually seen holding a shepherd's crook.
The shepherd's crook and the flail are insignia of pharaonic authority: the Crook and flail.
