is the combination of the words ''kagi'' meaning hook and ''nawa'' meaning rope. The kaginawa is a type of

grappling hook A grappling hook or grapnel is a device that typically has multiple hooks (known as ''claws'' or ''flukes'') attached to a rope; it is thrown, dropped, sunk, projected, or fastened directly by hand to where at least one hook may catch and hol ...

used as a tool in feudal Japan by the

samurai were the hereditary military nobility and officer caste of medieval and early-modern Japan from the late 12th century until their abolition in 1876. They were the well-paid retainers of the '' daimyo'' (the great feudal landholders). They h ...

class, their retainers, foot soldiers and reportedly by

ninja A or was a covert agent or mercenary in feudal Japan. The functions of a ninja included reconnaissance In military operations, reconnaissance or scouting is the exploration of an area by military forces to obtain information about enem ...

. Kaginawa have several configurations, from one to four hooks. The ''kagi'' would be attached to a ''nawa'' of varying length; this was then used to scale a rather large wall, to secure a boat, or for hanging up armor and other equipment during the night. Kaginawa were regularly used during various sieges of miscellaneous castles. The ''nawa'' was attached to a ring on one end which could be used to hang it from a saddle.

References

External links

* {{Japanese (samurai) weapons, armour and equipment Samurai weapons and equipment Chain and rope throwing weapons Ninjutsu artefacts