Treading the path of Basque tradition
Alberdi Makila was established by woodcarver Joxe Alberdi in 1948 on the ground floor of his father’s house in Irun to preserve the Basque cultural heritage of makila making. The makila is the Basque people’s walking stick. It is the companion of shepherds on the paths, meadows and mountains of the Basque Country. It is a symbol of respect, authority and strength. Made entirely by hand from the wild medlar tree, the makila cane has a horn pommel, a goatskin covered handle, casings engraved with Basque motifs, a hidden spike in the handle and a tip that touches the ground, usually made of steel.
Following in his father Iñaki’s footsteps, the workshop is now led by Beñat Alberdi, the third generation of Alberdi artisans, who gave up his first career to follow his family’s pledge to preserve this traditional craft. Today, Alberdi Makila is proud to be the only Spanish workshop that produces this popular object that has reached the hands of kings, popes, politicians and artists. The manufacturer has become a benchmark in sustainability, tradition and the successful transmission of responsibility and commitment from one generation to the next.
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Alberdi Makila
