The Length and use of the Basque Makhila (or Makila)?

Question

I wanted to know if anyone has seen one of these in person, particularly in Spain. Just to help those who may have seen one but didn’t know what it was, the makhila is a traditional Basque walking stick. It is a wooden stick and has a flattened metal k**b on top, with a leather handgrip below this. If you pull the top off, there is a spear head under it.

What I want to know is, how long are these sticks supposed to be, and how are they carried? Also, has any one seen how they are used in Basque daily life or are they just ceremonial?

I collect walking sticks and this type seems very hard to find info on (at least in English)

Answer 1

Hi, Makila in Euskera (Vasque language) simply means stick, walking cane, bat, rod, birch club or maze . Therefore it is just a sign/word that represents all of the above.There is also the verb makilar or to club beat someone or something. There are several words that derive from makila like makila-ukaldi or the club-strike or mace-strike etc.

The makilas you are refering to are both ceremonial and also original sticks or canes traditionally used  by shepherds or country folks in Euskalerria (Vasque land) to protect themselves from wolves or other dangerous beasts or animals and were also a status symbol. Those Makilas or Basque traditional cane were used as symbol of authority and respect. They are made entirely by hand and its manufacture method has been maintained and is the same as several centuriesago. Usually made of Chestnut wood.    



Also it was used as a club/mace to heat enemies or in fights.There are many tipes of the makilla with spear inside or with some pointed iron end that has spar shape but is four bladed more like an old arrow shape. The sizes are also many depending on your own size. The designs also vary and the materials to. The ceremonial Makila usually are about 1 metter 20 cms or so and have speciall decorations.

Today makilas are mostly used by collectors as you, hunters, folk dancers, and also locals that eithewr had a family one or have bouth it as a deterring self defense covered weapon. So it can be used also by shepherds and anyone going to excursions to the countryside or leave in rural areas.

You can buy them, depending on type and price in Hunting shops inside and often outside Vascongadas, Vasque souvenir shops in certain areas, and antiquarians or flea markets. The sites below have photos, info and online shop to buy makilas. Priced 192,00 €.The first adress is in Spanish and the second in english. Both are from save website just in different languages, so you can go to the spanish lang site and change to english language and secrh for makila but easiest is jus double click links below.



http://www.cascoviejobilbao.biz/asociaci...

http://www.cascoviejobilbao.biz/asociaci...

Best regards

S