Completion

And so, it is done.

Movement:

Closer to the end

My main structures have been connected and the mechanism is in place:
When I pull on the black string, the pieces bend forward.
When I release the string, the structure lies flat.

Octopus Arm Main Structure

I feel like I should have some rings made now or have the pieces of the structure connected with rubber bands or something.

Possible Construction Methods

I plan to make a tentacle using five pieces that connect by four joints.
I'm not sure if I should use a wide strip of elastic thread to hold the pieces together or if I should use rubber bands.
I may weave my interlocking forms using plastic strips or strips of cloth.
Instead of that, I may connect wire rings to create a mesh.
I am not sure how either of these would work out.

This is the form I'd like to achieve:

These are the materials I have:

These are my sketches:

Planar Model and Drawing

Model Orthographic Drawing

Tentacle

I want to be able to pull a string that causes the arm to coil. When I release the string, the arm should be straight

My model has five interlocking segments and four points of articulation.

The pieces are held together by pieces of elastic thread.

The model is not moving in the way that I want it to

Wire Hand

Orthographic Drawing

Doctor Bird

Animal Hands

More Images of Hands

This image comes from a page on the Smithsonian website. It has some interesting information:
Smithsonian: Inventing Ourselves