The Solution: The Claw

I worked with the local blacksmith, Malik, to design a Claw from locally available materials, made with locally available process.

The Claw is tied to the end of the rope. The Claw has one hook which wraps around the front of the brick, and two which wrap around the back. The latch connects the two back hooks, keeping them apart and preventing the Claw from opening.

Because the bricks are staggered in a round formation, each brick protrudes over the two below it. The Claw holds the brick at these overhanging points, and does not get caught between the brick it is holding and the bricks below it.