Decorative Strawberry-Tree Wood Makila

The hand-carved Basque ceremonial staff

The Decorative Makila is a handmade replica of the Basque ceremonial staff: carved from strawberry-tree wood (Arbutus unedo) from the Gipuzkoa hills, with a brass handle and traditional motifs engraved with a burin.

The original makila

The makila is the Basque ceremonial staff with which the bertsolari greets the audience, the mayor opens official events and the pilgrim on the Way of St James bids farewell to the Basque Country. Makilas have been made in Mauléon without interruption for five centuries.

The piece

• A straight strawberry-tree stem from the Gipuzkoa hills, chosen standing and cured for 3 years
• Basque motifs engraved with a burin: lauburu, txalaparta, aizkora and arrano beltza
• Handle in cast brass, hand-polished to a natural gold finish
• Tip in turned ox horn — the tradition of authentic makilas

Length: 90 cm. Numbered collector's piece with a certificate of authenticity.