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 The
Makhila
This traditionnal Basque walking stick is a
symbol of honour. It reflects a certain philosophy and a way of life. Elegant, practical,
a redoutable defensive weapon as well as a decorative object, the makhila is not only a
mark of distinction but also a walking companion - a truly important element in Basque
life.
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The
fabrication
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begins by the hunt for the rare medlar
tree (Mespilus germanica) in the forests. Once found, wavy incisions are cut for
decoration on the living branch. This is a springtime operation. The branch grows until
the beginning of winter (thus expanding the design of the incision) when a return trip is
made to the forest to cut the branch. |
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Once
back at the workshop at Larressore, the bark is removed and the branches are straightened
by the heat of a kiln. This is a delicate technique requiring particular knowledge and
vast experience. The branches are now naturally dried for several years. The last stage in
preparation is colouring the wood using a secret family technique, perfected many years ago. |
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dressing and decoration of the makhila consists of preparing made-to-measure decorative
fittings varying on the thickness of the baton. A harmonious line is sought after while
respecting the weighted balance of the baton which is an aide for walking. The makhila is
decorated with various metal bands including brass, german silver, silver and gold. They
are cut, curved, braced and decorated, then adjusted to fit the medlar wood. The handle is
either all metal or garnished with woven leather straps and is finished with a horn or
worked metal pommel. The handle can be unscrewed revealing the makhilas deadly secret; a
forged spike. Thus it was not only used for walking but also as a defensive weapon ! |
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The weighted end is fashioned into a trefoil design.
Each makhila is unique with the personnal touches added by the inscription of the
christian and family name as well as a motto chosen by the customer. On models crowned
with an all metal pommel, initials or coats-of-arms are also engraved.
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Types
and tariffs
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Decorative bands : |
Decorative bands : |
Decorative bands : |
Brass
: 240 euro
German silver :
250 euro
Silver : 370 euro
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German
silver :
350 euro
Silver "first
title" : 575 euro
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German
silver :
350 euro
Silver "first
title" : 575 euro
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Here are the models that we craft :
- pommel in African buffalo horn
- pommel in metal entirely fashioned in our workshop. Initials
are engraved in English lettering
The makhilas
are only made-to-measure so we always need the weight and height of our customer. All the
models have a personnal touch added with family and christian names engraved as well as a
motto which we translate in Basque.
An advance payment of 30% of the price is
required so that we may proceed with the order.
Our address : |
Atelier Ainciart-Bergara
64 480 Larressore
FRANCE
Tél : 33 (0)5 59 93 03 05
Fax : 33 (0)5 59 70 30 13
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| The workshop
is open everyday except Sundays and national holidays from 9 am - 12
am and from 2 pm - 6 pm.
By-the-by
- our makhilas are all signed and dated on the bottom band
- our makhilas are not sold anywhere else outside our workshop
"BE CAREFUL OF IMITATIONS"
say Marie-Jeanne Ainciart and Joanes Bergara
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