Three Makilas by Iñaki Alberdi Join the Collection of the Basque Museum of Bilbao

At Alberdi Makila, we are experiencing a truly special and emotional moment. Three makilas crafted by our father, Iñaki Alberdi, in 1984 are now part of the permanent exhibition at the Basque Museum of Bilbao, which recently reopened after an extensive renovation project.

For our entire family, it is a tremendous source of pride to see these pieces displayed in one of the most important institutions dedicated to preserving and promoting Basque culture. Moreover, the makilas occupy a particularly significant place within the gallery devoted to Basque Political Identity, where they are exhibited alongside a fragment of the original trunk of the historic Tree of Gernika.

For us, this recognition goes beyond a personal achievement. It is also a tribute to the traditional makila, to Basque craftsmanship, and to a tradition that has accompanied the Basque people for centuries.

 

 

The Basque Museum of Bilbao and the Preservation of Basque Culture

The Basque Museum of Bilbao plays a fundamental role in preserving and promoting the historical and cultural heritage of the Basque Country. Its collections help visitors understand the evolution of Basque society, its customs, institutions, and most representative symbols.

That is why we are especially moved that these three makilas have become part of a permanent exhibition dedicated to explaining the history and identity of our people. Knowing that future generations will be able to admire these pieces and learn about their significance is an honour that would have been difficult to imagine when our father crafted them more than forty years ago.

The Basque Makila: A Symbol of Authority and Identity

The Basque makila is much more than a traditional Basque walking stick. Throughout history, it has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Basque identity, authority, and tradition.

Its institutional importance is reflected in one of the most solemn ceremonies in Basque political life. Beneath the Tree of Gernika, the symbol of Basque freedoms, the Lehendakari takes the oath of office and receives the makila as a representation of the authority entrusted to serve the Basque people.

It is therefore no coincidence that the makilas displayed at the Basque Museum share their space with a section of the original Tree of Gernika. Together, these elements symbolize the historical continuity of Basque institutions and the deep connection between tradition, culture, and identity.

 

 

 

Makila Craftsmanship: A Tradition Passed Down Through Generations

Every traditional makila is the result of a lengthy artisanal process requiring patience, experience, and a deep respect for tradition.

The making of a makila begins long before the finished piece takes shape. In our workshop, we primarily use medlar wood, carefully selected for its strength, flexibility, and natural beauty. The distinctive engravings that characterize each makila are marked onto the living tree, allowing the designs to grow naturally with the wood itself.

After several years of drying and careful craftsmanship, each piece receives its final handmade finishes, making it truly unique.

As makila makers for several generations, we continue to preserve the same techniques and knowledge passed down by our ancestors, helping to safeguard a tradition that forms part of the Basque cultural heritage.

The Legacy of Iñaki Alberdi

The three makilas on display were crafted by our father, Iñaki Alberdi, in 1984.

Behind each of these pieces lie decades of experience, dedication, and passion for a craft that has shaped the history of our family. His work helped keep a centuries-old tradition alive and contributed to establishing the makila as one of the finest expressions of Basque craftsmanship.

Seeing these pieces displayed today at the Basque Museum of Bilbao represents an extraordinary recognition of a lifetime devoted to this art.

A Source of Pride for Our Family

Seeing our father’s work displayed in a museum that preserves and celebrates Basque traditions is an immense source of pride for our entire family.

For us, it is deeply moving to witness our father’s work receiving this recognition and becoming part of the living history of Basque culture. These three makilas represent much more than outstanding examples of craftsmanship; they are also a testament to a way of understanding work, tradition, and commitment to our cultural identity.

This recognition inspires us to continue our work with the same passion, dedication, and sense of responsibility that he passed on to us.

The Tradition Continues

Today, we continue to craft every makila with the same respect for tradition, the same commitment to quality, and the same passion that our father taught us.

Every makila that leaves our workshop carries forward a centuries-old legacy and helps preserve one of the most important symbols of Basque culture.

The presence of these three pieces in the Basque Museum of Bilbao reminds us that authentic craftsmanship transcends generations and becomes part of the collective history of a people.