Medlar tree, the wood from which the makilas are made
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.
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.
Harvesting the medlar wood: the beginning of the Basque makila
Several months after the trees have been carefully marked, winter arrives. This is when one of the most important stages in the creation of a Basque makila begins: harvesting the medlar branches.
In our workshop we follow a tradition passed down through generations. We observe nature and pay attention to the movements of the moon to choose the best moment to cut the branches. This traditional knowledge is part of Basque craftsmanship and helps us harvest the wood when it will best preserve its strength and stability.
Each branch is cut carefully, one by one, selecting only those with the quality required to become a future handcrafted makila.
From the tree to the makila workshop
Once the medlar branches are harvested, they are brought to our workshop. There begins a fully manual process that will shape the future traditional Basque walking stick.
The branches are placed in a high-temperature oven. The heat allows the bark to be removed more easily and prepares the wood for the next stage. Each piece is carefully peeled by hand, always respecting the natural shape of the medlar and its distinctive relief.
This natural relief is one of the elements that makes the Basque makila unique among handcrafted walking sticks around the world.
Straightening the medlar wood: a process of 6 to 10 years
After the bark is removed, one of the longest and most delicate steps begins: straightening the wood.
The medlar branches are placed between metal plates and controlled heat is applied to gradually correct their natural shape. However, the wood needs time to adapt.
For this reason, after each stage of heat and pressure, the wood is left to rest for long periods. Approximately every two years the same straightening process is repeated.
This cycle can last between 6 and 10 years, until the wood reaches the straightness, strength and stability required to become a true handcrafted makila.
Patience, nature and tradition
This long process is what distinguishes true makila makers from industrial production. Each piece depends on the climate, the tree and the time that nature requires.
Cold winters, dry years or rainy seasons influence the final result, making every Basque makila completely unique.
When the wood is finally ready, the next stage begins: shaping the stick, assembling the metal parts and transforming that carefully worked medlar wood into a symbol of Basque tradition.
