Harispuru Makila Entirely handmade in the Basque Country

Nestled upstairs in the ZüZüLü, a magnificent shared workshop located in the heart of Petit Bayonne, Michel will tell you several stories.

First of all, that of the makila (or makhila ), the traditional and honorary walking stick of the Basque Country.

Then, that of his family, his uncles having made makilas for more than 40 years, after having learned this art from a Souletin craftsman, at the beginning of the 80s.

Finally, his own, that of a former aeronautical engineer wanting to change his life and preserve the family heritage.

In a constantly accelerating era, makila takes us back to a longer time. Indeed, its wild medlar wood requires a dozen years of pruning and drying before it can be used. Similarly, learning, integrating and performing each gesture requires at least as much time.

The multiple trades necessary for its manufacture ( woodworking, metalworking and leatherworking ), the constant attention to detail as well as the personalization of each piece make the makila a unique and tailor-made object.

Thus, the wood is chosen according to the person for whom the makila is intended. It also bears their name and the personal motto with which they move through life.

• The workshop is open to the public from Monday to Wednesday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is also possible to visit his uncles' factory in Ibarrolle, on Thursday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visits are free, upon telephone reservation.