Medlar Tree Marks Carving For Makila Basque Walking Stick

The use of marked medlar wood is the primary characteristic of the traditional Basque walking stick, also called Makila or Makhila.

In this video you can appreciate how the artisan carves markings into the most suitable branches of the tree during the spring ("udaberria" in the basque language). Over time, the tree branches form scars as the cuts heal. Months later, in the winter ("negua" in basque), the artisan will collect the marked branches.

Once branches are in the workshop, they are heated in an oven and stripped of their bark. The drying process of the wood takes around 6-10 years. During this period, the branches are straightened several times before they become Makilas.

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.

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[lornapolley]

I just bought one of these fascinating sticks from an auction in England and have been researching the history. It is lovely to see how the patterns are made - thank you for posting this, it is very interesting!

[JulioHernandez-zspb]

Cual es el nombre en castellano de ese arbol? Saludos desde México

[kengyongtay]

hi is the website to purchase your Malika's down as i tired accessing it but unable to do so.