Medlar tree
Dense and hard, but flexible.
The Medlar Tree
Mespilus germanica commonly called medlar tree or european medlar, is a fruit tree that produces a fruit called medlar. Although its Latin name references Germania, it originates in Asia Minor and Southeast Europe, and it was brought to Germany by the Romans.
The medlar tree was cultivated approximately three thousand years ago in the Caspian Sea region. At about 700 B.C. it arrived in Greece, and then reached Rome around 200 B.C. It became an important fruit crop during the Roman Empire and the Middle Age, mainly due to its medicinal properties relating to intestinal health.
The wood of the medlar tree grows very slowly, which makes it dense and hard, but flexible at the same time. This makes it very special, because most hard woods generally are not flexible and do break. As a result, it is a very appropriate type of wood for making walking sticks. This is the reason why at ALBERDI MAKILA we use medlar wood for crafting our makilas.
How we mark medlar wood for our Makilas
This video shows one of the most distinctive stages in the manufacturing of makilas: the process of scarification or tattooing on the branches of medlar wood. In spring, the artisan makes small cuts on the most suitable branches, and over time the tree heals, creating natural reliefs that give each handcrafted makila its unique and unrepeatable design.
In winter, the marked branches are carefully selected and harvested, then taken to the workshop. There, they are heated in the oven, stripped of their bark, and straightened several times. The drying of medlar wood is a slow process that can last between 5 and 10 years, ensuring the strength, durability, and authenticity of the traditional Basque walking stick.
The marked medlar is undoubtedly the main feature that distinguishes the Basque makila from any other artisan stick in the world. This natural relief does not exist in other cultures, making the makila a true symbol of identity and Basque craftsmanship.
Every year, this process depends directly on nature: cold winters, dry or rainy seasons… all influence the outcome, ensuring that each handcrafted makila carries with it the soul of the Basque landscape and land.
