Traditional Basque Makhila Cane

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Masterpiece Cane Auction

By Kimball Sterling

May 24, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-05-24 11:00:00 2025-05-24 11:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Masterpiece Cane Auction https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/kimball-sterling/masterpiece-cane-auction-19479
A European Masterpiece Cane Auction Kimball Sterling kimballsterling@earthlink.net

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• Lot Description
  20th Century The handle is done in the customary vertical setting with a straight, tall, and upwards tapering central part and its collar both garnished with beautifully braided leather straps and a matched lanyard attached to a swiveling bar. It is topped by a round and dark horn knob, said to resemble the beret worn by the Basque shepherd, anchored on a fringed white metal collar with trailing superficial engravings. The handle comes on a finely scarred medlar shaft, which ends with a 4 ½” tall, white metal ferrule with fringes and decorations matching the collar and is fitted with an impressively crossed steel spike ferrule. The ferrule is personalized with a punched “ST. PALAIS - LOUSTALOT A”. “St. Palais” stands for Saint-Palais, a small tourist town located at the foot of the Pyrenées, in the extreme south-west of France on the Bidouze River and part of the French Basque Country, while “Loustalot A” is likely the family name and initials of the cane owner, Loustatlot being a quite large family from that part of France. Notable is that contrary to all cane shafts, which taper downwards, the Makhila tapers in the opposite direction. The handle is threaded and detaches to reveal the Makhila's deadly secret, a forged steel spike, which effectively turns the stick into a short spear. Initially used to direct cattle, it was forbidden on market days in certain towns to prevent a small squabble from turning into a Makhila-swinging and bloody affair. Much more than a cane, this traditional symbol of honor reflects a certain philosophy and is an indispensable element in the traditional Basque way of life. Similar Makhilas are occasionally presented to selected citizens or distinguished visitors as an honorary gift. H. 8 ½” x 1 ½”, O.L. 34 ½” Estimate $300 - $400 The design of the Makhila is centuries old and remains largely unchanged. There is little information known about its exact origin, but it may possibly be related to medieval times as a concealable derivative of a particular form of lance or hunting spear. The manufacturing process is as rooted in tradition as the finished product and can take years to complete. It begins in spring, with the craftsman selecting a suitable branch from a medlar tree, Mespilus Germanica, and carving a design into the living wood while it is still attached. The branch is left alone until late fall, during which the wood heals and expands the design on its surface. The craftsman must then return to where he found the tree and cut the branch down. The bark is then stripped off, and the shaft is straightened out using careful heating in a kiln. After this, the stick must be dried by being stored for several years. Once this has happened, the wood is stained using a method that employs manure or quicklime to chemically burn and darken the wood, and then fitted with the various metal bands and fittings. The craftsman will sign his work with his family symbol or name and will also engrave the handle or pommel with the recipient’s name, family crest, or other text as requested.
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