114. Classic Pitcairn Island Cane-Ca. 1900-Redwood right fist handle on its coconut wood shaft with a light colored, flush set and joining wood washer collar and a metal ferrule. The fist seems to hold something which could be an egg, symbol of life, or a book-scroll for the eternal Bible. This cane is typical for the Pitcairn Islands and shows character and the innate driving force which personalizes good folk-art. It grew old beautifully with a rich patina that gives the piece the appearance of having a dark color. -H. 3” x 1 ½”, O.L. 37”-Many people are familiar with the story of the mutiny on the Bounty and the subsequent voyage of Captain Bligh and his men. However, the story is often sensationalized for entertainment purposes. Thankfully, in this case, the truth is just as interesting as fiction. -The true story is one of some men seeking paradise, while another group of men fight for their lives on the open sea.-The Bounty, a British sailing ship commanded by Captain Bligh sails for Tahiti to pick up breadfruit plants and take them to Jamaica where they are to be planted and help supply the British with a compact, easy to grow, nutritious plant. Lt. Fletcher Christian is the executive officer, that is second in command of the vessel. The ship proceeds south with the intention of rounding Cape of Good Hope, Africa and continues via the Indian and Pacific Oceans to the Tahitian islands. Captain Bligh is pressed for time since he must get to Tahiti while the plants are transportable. He decides to cut 5 months off the journey by going around South American Cape Horn instead. -However, he encounters typical horrible weather and is unable to make the transit. -He then reverses course to the east and goes to Tahiti via the originally intended route. This diversion costs more time and pretty much guarantees he will be late in arriving in Tahiti which will require staying there, perhaps six months, until the plants are transportable.-During all this time, Bligh is abusing his men and officers in various ignoble and demeaning ways. He explains his foul behavior to his exec. Fletcher Christian that fear is the only thing seamen understand and this justifies general cruelty and abuse. The sadistic details are numerous and do not advance the plot except to set the stage for the eventual mutiny. After an idyllic stay in Tahiti, where the exec, Fletcher Christian, is ordered by Bligh to “sleep with” the Tahitian chief’s daughter to avoid insulting the chief, the ship laden with a thousand plants sets sail for Jamaica. More abuse and cruelty ensues on this leg of the trip, mostly as a result of Bligh restricting water to the crew in order to feed the plants. Many would otherwise die, says the onboard gardener.