Makila

The traditional Basque walking stick

The makila is the walking stick of the Basques, used either as a travelling companion or as a symbol of authority and respect

The makila is much more than a traditional Basque walking stick; it is a work of Basque craftsmanship loaded with history, symbolism and mastery, made entirely by hand, its manufacturing process can take between 5 and 10 years, respecting an ancestral tradition that has remained intact for centuries.

The makila manufacturing process begins in the forest, with branches of wild medlar wood, carefully incised to guide the sap and create the natural reliefs that give each Basque makila its unique aesthetic. After being cut in winter, the wood undergoes a meticulous treatment: it is kiln-barked, dyed with quicklime, and straightened with heat. The drying process can take up to a decade, requiring periodic adjustments to ensure each staff remains perfectly straight.

Once ready, the staff is adorned at its base with an artisan ferrule, made of brass, nickel silver, or sterling silver, finely engraved with traditional Basque motifs. The upper part is crowned with a horn handle, mounted on a threaded tube and wrapped in hand-braided leather. In the case of the makila of honor, the handle is made entirely of silver or nickel silver, highlighting its symbolic and ceremonial value.

Beyond its role as a Basque walking stick, the makila is a powerful symbol of respect and recognition. It is a meaningful gift for special occasions such as retirements, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, or institutional and corporate events. Offering a handcrafted makila means honoring someone for their achievements, commitment, or connection to Basque culture.

Deeply rooted in its homeland, the Basque makila has also crossed borders. Throughout history, it has been presented to kings, popes, political leaders, artists, and athletes, becoming an emblem of international prestige. This handcrafted Basque staff, made of noble medlar wood and decorated with ancestral techniques, represents a living legacy that combines functionality, identity, and elegance.

Partes de la makila

The knob

The knob, made of horn. In the past, ox horn was used for this purpose.

The upper bushing

A cap holds the leather handle, while pressing on the knob. It is on this cap that dedications and sentences are engraved, according to the taste of each recipient or customer.

The handle

The handle is a tube covered with kid skin. After making several strips of kid skin, the artisan braids them to cover the tube. However, the makila de honor has a handle made entirely of silver or nickel silver.

The tip of the makila is hidden under the handle.
The tip

The tip is hidden under the handle. Usually made of stainless steel.

The bushing

Another cap is usually placed on the lower part of the makila. On it, the craftsman has engraved typical motifs of the Basque Graffiti.

Wood

Loquat wood is often decorated with special shapes. The loquat is the only tree that, by healing the wounds previously made by the craftsman, decorates its skin creating original reliefs. For this reason, it is the most appropriate for making the makila.

The toe cap

The toe of the makila that touches the ground is usually made of steel.

Phrases of the makila

In the upper cap of the makila a space is reserved for each customer to order the artisan to engrave the phrase they want, usually short dedications using words with great meaning. Some have already become typical and others stand out for their originality. These are some of the phrases that can be read on the makilas:

Hitza hitz

– The word is the word

Hitzemana zor

– As promised

Ihes etsaiak

– Run away enemies

Nerekin beti zuzen

– Always straight with me

Nere bideko laguna

– My companion on the way

Nerekin inoren beldur

– With me there is no fear of anyone

Nere laguna eta laguntza

– My partner and help