“Terre de Bergers” Walking Stick with Silver Medallion

Starting in the mid-19th century, cutlers from the Basque Country and Béarn also crafted walking sticks and makhilas.

Among them were Isaac Bordabehere in Saint-Palais, Germain Labarthe in Salies-de-Béarn, and Jean Dufourcq in Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

These walking sticks were often crafted from chestnut wood—which is sturdyyetvery lightweight—and their makhilas from scarified medlar wood.

Chestnut wood is lightweight, flexible, highly weather-resistant, and long-lasting. For our “Terre de Bergers” walking stick, we’ve preserved its natural texture and color, making it comfortable and ideal for use on long hikes or casual walks.

Chestnut wood is preferably harvested in winter, when the trees are still dormant. It is a renewable and eco-friendly resource that requires no chemical treatment for protection, which is beneficial for both health and the environment.

Its total height is initially 135 cm. Relatively tall, this walking stick allowed shepherds to lean on it while standing, so they could keep an eye on their flock. Therefore, we craft it to this original, traditional height. However, we can also craft it in shorter lengths to suit your needs (100 cm, 120 cm).

To help you choose the right walking stick, here’s a simple guide:

• A person between 145 cm and 155 cm tall will be comfortable with a 100 cm staff.
• For someone between 156 cm and 162 cm tall, a 110 cm walking stick is suitable.
• For someone between 163 cm and 168 cm tall, a 115 cm pole will be suitable.
• For someone between 169 cm and 175 cm tall, a 120 cm pole is suitable.
• For a person between 176 cm and 184 cm tall, a 125 cm pole is suitable.
• For someone between 185 cm and 190 cm tall, a 130 cm pole is suitable.
• And finally, for someone between 191 cm and 200 cm tall, the 135 cm pole will be suitable.

Our model features a braided leather wrist strap for a secure grip. A galvanized metal ferrule with a tip is attached to the end to make walking easier on all types of terrain—whether in the countryside or in the mountains—and to protect the tip of the walking stick from potential breakage caused by rocks. Old-fashioned rivets are hammered into the wood, just like on traditional Pyrenean shepherds’ walking sticks.

A black horn pommel, crafted in our workshop, adorns the top of the stick. It provides a comfortable grip that fits snugly in the palm of your hand.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            A silver medallion is inlaid into the pommel. Designed by Séverine, a master artisan, the motifs on this medallion evoke the mountain scenery of the Pyrenees. Each silver piece was crafted and chased in the workshop of jeweler Ricardo Corcuera.

In summer and winter alike, our “Terre de Bergers” walking stick will accompany you on all your journeys, whether on the Way of St. James or on a short stroll in the great outdoors. Walking is a pleasure that offers numerous benefits for physical health (building muscle, reducing cardiovascular risk, maintaining a stable weight, lowering blood pressure) and mental health (improving mood, reducing stress).

Each natural chestnut walking stick comes with an ergonomic, retractable rubber tip.

PLEASE SPECIFY THE HEIGHT OF YOUR WALKING STICK WHEN PLACING YOUR ORDER. 

Hiking is the path to freedom!

Our Terre de Bergers walking sticks are also available at our Bayonne store at 26 rue des Basques.

https://baton-bergerbasque.com