Makila, the Basque people's traditional stick

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Makila

The makila is an entirely hand-made and elegant stick whose manufacturing process has been maintained over various centuries. This Basque traditional stick had long ago two main functions: on the one hand, walkers used it to help them in their walking, and on the other hand, it was used as a weapon because of the rapier it has under the grip. Nowadays it is a Basque symbol which represents command and honour.

It is a custom to offer a makila to anybody one wishes to honour and who visits the Basque country. Often politicians, Mayors, Governors, etc. are presented with an elegant makila for their services rendered to society. The list of famous people that have been presented with a makila is very long. The King Edward VII of England, Churchill, General De Gaulle, The Pope Jon Paul II, are some of them.

The relieves of the piece of wood originate from incising the wild medlar in the forest. This operation causes the sap that rises through the tree branch to swerve around the cuts and to form the designs that characterize the makila. This way mother nature assists the artisan's hand.

The branch is cut in winter, peeled in a furnace, stained with quicklime and heat straightened. The so prepared rod is adorned at the bottom with a brass, alpaca (German silver) or silver sleeve carefully hand-engraved with Basque motifs. The other end of the rod is topped with a horn grip fixed by means of a threaded sleeve covered with plaited leather. For the so called makila of honor, the grip is entirely of silver or alpaca.

This traditional Basque walking stick is a symbol of honour. It reflects a certain philosophy and a way of life. Elegant, practical, a redoutable defensive weapon as well as a decorative object, the makhila is not only a mark of distinction but also a walking companion - a truly important element in Basque life.