Bought a box of kitchen junk for $5. This wooden hinged tool was at the bottom. It doesn’t seem to grip anything tight enough to be tongs. Any thoughts?

The wood was smooth, with rounded edges that lacked the necessary friction or tension to make it effective as a utensil for gripping food. This peculiarity prompted a deeper investigation into its true purpose.
3. Clues in the Craft: Wood, Hinges, and Handle Shape
The craftsmanship of the tool offered several clues. Made from a single type of light-colored wood, likely beech or oak, the tool had been assembled with care. The hinges were small and delicate, made from brass, suggesting that the tool was not meant for heavy-duty tasks.