Hi Barbara, I'd have to agree with Marc. See 'History of the American Whale Fishery'. It shows what's called a 'mast head waif', looks like a large round metal strainer or sifter on a long pole. I can only guess that it looks this way (sifter) from the drawing rather than a flag would be to weather the wind, wave, whale & the elements. Also have to go with Curmudgeon, 2 different tools through there are different types of harpoons & lances as well as spades & forks. Barry