These early 19th century watercolours (artist unknown) depict a Basque man with his makhila.
The makhila is a traditional
Basque walking stick, and is notable as both a practical tool and a cultural
symbol of authority and strength.
The makila walking stick consists of an engraved medlar wood
shaft cut to a length to suit its owner, generally either hipbone or
sternum-height. The bottom is often shod with steel or other metal and ends in
a ferrule (blunt spike for traction).
The handle is also often covered with metal or woven leather
to form a hand-grip, with a lanyard attached to the bottom of this grip. The
stick is capped with a flattened knob or pommel, made of horn, steel, or
bronze.
The top portion consisting of the knob and hand-grip can be pulled off the top of the stick, revealing a hidden spike or blade, which effectively turns the stick into a short spear. The pommel's shape resembles the beret worn by the Basque shepherd.
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