How to choose your Basque makila: guide to finding the perfect traditional walking stick

Published On: September 24, 2025

How to choose your Basque makila: guide to finding the perfect traditional walking stick

Choosing a traditional Basque makila is more than selecting a walking stick: it means acquiring a unique piece of Basque craftsmanship, full of history, symbolism, and personality. At Alberdi Makila, we want to help you find the perfect makila — whether it is for yourself, as a gift, or as a collector’s item.

1. Is the makila for you?

If you are looking for a walking stick that combines tradition, functionality, and elegance, the makila is the perfect choice. Its refined design and deep cultural value make it much more than an accessory: it is a symbol of Basque identity and a lifelong companion.

2. Is the makila a gift?

The symbolism of the makila makes it a meaningful gift. It represents respect, nobility, and recognition. That is why it is often given on special occasions such as retirements, anniversaries, birthdays, corporate events, or official ceremonies.
An Alberdi makila, handcrafted by Basque artisans using ancestral techniques, becomes a unique and unforgettable gift.

3. Makila for walking or for decoration?

The makila as a walking companion
Beyond its symbolic value, the makila is also an excellent walking stick, suitable for both mountain trails and urban walks.
It is handcrafted from wild medlar wood, strong and flexible, and reinforced with a steel tip for stability and durability.
The traditional makila, with leather braiding and a horn handle, is the most suitable for walking: robust, practical, and with a perfect grip.

The makila as a decorative piece
Many people also choose the makila as an exclusive decorative object that conveys tradition, elegance, and cultural pride in a home or institutional space.
In this case, the makila of honour is the most prized: its fully hand-engraved handle makes it a true collector’s piece.

4. Personalising the makila

Just as each person is unique, so should each makila be. At Alberdi, we customise every piece to adapt it to the size and weight of its future owner.

We also offer three different metal finishes:

  • Brass: the most traditional, with an elegant golden tone.

  • Nickel silver(German silver): very resistant, perfect for those who use the makila as a walking stick.

  • Sterling Silver: the noblest metal, highlighting the engraved details with precision.

Personalised inscriptions
The upper fitting of the makila is reserved for a dedication. Short phrases, full of meaning, turn each piece into something unique:

  • Hitza hitz – My word is my bond.

  • Hitzemana zor – A promise is a promise

  • Ihes etsaiak – Flee, enemies

  • Nerekin beti zuzen – Always straight with me

  • Nere bideko laguna – My companion on the road

  • Nerekin inoren beldur – With me, fear no one

  • Nere laguna eta laguntza – My companion and my help

The makila: a living symbol of Basque culture

At Alberdi Makila, every Basque walking stick is crafted using techniques passed down from generation to generation.
Whether for walking, as a gift, or for collecting, the makila is far more than a stick: it is an authentic symbol of Basque culture, handmade with passion, respect, and tradition.

¿Quieres que te deje también una versión resumida (tipo extracto) en los tres idiomas para usar como introducción en redes sociales o boletines?