Pernambuco Hiking Staff

$1,500.00
This tall hiking staff is a unique combination of rugged practicality and tasteful artistry wrapped up in fine craftsmanship. The wood is vibrant orange Pernambuco wood from Brazil. This wood became so prized and coveted by European explorers during the discovery of America that the wood is actually responsible for naming the country of Brazil! They believe it is the only wood in the world with such a claim. Today Pernambuco is nearly extinct, highly protected, and very scarce. Finding a piece of this wood long enough to make this hiking staff was a surprise.

Walking sticks, also known as canes, have a rich history that spans thousands of years and multiple cultures. Originally, they served both practical and symbolic purposes, evolving from simple tools for support to status symbols and even weapons.
Ancient Origins
- Prehistoric Times: The earliest known use of walking sticks dates back to prehistoric times, where sticks were likely used for support while walking on rough terrain or as tools for defense against animals.
- Egypt and Greece: In ancient Egypt, walking sticks were symbols of power and authority. Pharaohs and high-ranking officials were often depicted holding ornate staffs. Similarly, in ancient Greece, walking sticks were associated with wisdom and were carried by philosophers and elders.
Medieval Europe
- Support and Defense: During the medieval period, walking sticks were both practical tools and weapons. They were often used by travelers for support and as a means of protection against bandits or wild animals. Some sticks were designed to conceal blades, functioning as early forms of sword canes.
- Pilgrimage: Walking sticks were also significant in religious pilgrimages. Pilgrims would carry them for support on long journeys. The staff, often called a "pilgrim's staff," became a symbol of the journey of life itself.
Renaissance and Early Modern Period
- Fashion and Status Symbols: By the Renaissance, walking sticks began to be seen as fashionable accessories. Nobility and wealthy individuals carried elaborately decorated canes, often made from exotic materials like ivory or gold and adorned with jewels.
- Weaponry: Sword canes, which concealed a blade within the stick, became popular among the aristocracy in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries. These were both symbols of status and practical weapons for self-defense.
18th and 19th Centuries
- Cultural Significance: In the 18th and 19th centuries, walking sticks became an essential part of a gentleman's attire in Europe and America. The cane was not only a symbol of elegance and sophistication but also served as a social marker, distinguishing the upper class from the working class.
- Innovation: This period also saw innovations in walking stick design, including the introduction of canes with hidden compartments, telescoping canes, and those with handles shaped like animal heads or other artistic designs.
20th Century to Present
- Medical Use: In the 20th century, the use of walking sticks as fashion accessories declined, and they became more associated with medical needs, aiding those with mobility issues.
- Collectibles and Symbols: Despite this, walking sticks remain collectibles and are often seen in ceremonial contexts, such as the British House of Commons, where the ceremonial mace is a symbolic walking stick.
Today, while the functional use of walking sticks continues, they also serve as historical artifacts and symbols of past eras, reflecting their journey from simple tools to complex cultural icons.
The shillelagh is a traditional Irish club or walking stick, historically associated with Irish folklore and culture. It is typically made from blackthorn wood (Prunus spinosa) or oak, known for its strength and durability. The shillelagh has a rich history, both as a weapon and a symbol of Irish identity.
Ancient Origins
- Early Uses: The shillelagh likely originated as a practical walking stick used by Irish people for everyday activities such as herding livestock or hiking through rough terrain. The dense wood and sturdy construction also made it a useful tool for self-defense.
- Mythology and Folklore: The shillelagh is often linked to Irish mythology and folklore. It was believed to have mystical properties, and in some tales, it was wielded by heroes and warriors. The legendary Irish hero Cúchulainn is sometimes depicted with a club-like weapon that could be seen as a precursor to the shillelagh.
Medieval and Early Modern Period
- Weapon and Self-Defense: During the medieval period and into the early modern era, the shillelagh became a popular weapon in Ireland. It was used in faction fights, which were organized, sometimes ritualized, battles between rival groups or families. These fights were common in rural Ireland, especially during the 18th and 19th centuries. The shillelagh was an ideal weapon due to its size and weight, often being about three feet long with a knobbed end for striking.
- Fencing with Shillelaghs: A form of Irish stick fighting, known as "bataireacht," developed around the use of the shillelagh. Bataireacht was a martial art in which practitioners would engage in duels or faction fights using the shillelagh. This form of stick fighting was passed down through generations and remains a part of Irish martial traditions.
18th and 19th Centuries
- Symbol of Irish Resistance: As British rule over Ireland intensified, the shillelagh came to symbolize Irish resistance and identity. The British authorities, wary of the shillelagh's potential as a weapon, sometimes sought to confiscate or ban them, which only increased their symbolic significance.
- Emigration and the Irish Diaspora: During the 19th century, with the mass emigration of Irish people due to the Great Famine, the shillelagh became a symbol of Irish heritage abroad. Irish immigrants to the United States and other countries would sometimes carry shillelaghs as a reminder of their homeland.
20th Century to Present
- Cultural Icon: In the 20th century, the shillelagh's role as a weapon declined, and it became more of a cultural symbol and souvenir. It is often associated with Irish traditions and is a popular item among tourists visiting Ireland. The shillelagh is frequently used in Irish-themed celebrations, such as St. Patrick's Day parades.
- Martial Arts Revival: In recent years, there has been a revival of interest in traditional Irish martial arts, including bataireacht. This has led to renewed interest in the shillelagh as a tool for historical reenactment and martial arts training.
Today, the shillelagh remains a potent symbol of Irish culture, representing the resilience and spirit of the Irish people. Whether as a historical artifact, a weapon of self-defense, or a symbol of Irish identity, the shillelagh holds a unique place in Irish history and folklore.
Hiking staffs, also known as trekking poles or walking sticks, have been used for centuries as essential tools for travelers and hikers navigating rugged terrain. They offer support, stability, and balance, especially on uneven surfaces or during long journeys. The history of hiking staffs is intertwined with the evolution of walking sticks, but with a specific focus on outdoor and mountainous environments.
Ancient and Medieval Use
- Early Tools: The use of sticks or staffs as aids for walking likely dates back to prehistoric times. Early humans would have used sturdy branches as walking aids while traversing difficult landscapes, such as mountains, forests, or deserts.
- Medieval Pilgrimages: In medieval Europe, hiking staffs became associated with religious pilgrimages. Pilgrims traveling to holy sites, such as Santiago de Compostela in Spain, carried staffs for support on long and often treacherous journeys. These staffs, sometimes referred to as "pilgrim's staffs," also served as symbols of the pilgrim's journey, representing spiritual as well as physical progress.
Renaissance and Early Modern Period
- Exploration and Travel: As exploration and travel expanded during the Renaissance, hiking staffs continued to be used by explorers, adventurers, and mountaineers. They provided stability on uneven terrain and could also be used to clear paths or as defense against wild animals.
- Symbolic Significance: In addition to their practical uses, hiking staffs also took on symbolic meaning. For instance, in the Alps, shepherds and travelers used carved wooden staffs that often featured intricate designs, reflecting regional traditions and craftsmanship.
19th Century: The Birth of Modern Mountaineering
- Alpine Exploration: The 19th century saw the rise of mountaineering as a recreational activity, particularly in the European Alps. Hiking staffs became essential tools for climbers and hikers, offering support during ascents and descents. These staffs were often made of sturdy wood, such as ash or hickory, and were sometimes tipped with metal to increase durability.
- Walking Stick Traditions: During this period, hiking staffs also became popular souvenirs for tourists visiting mountainous regions. These staffs were often decorated with metal badges or carvings representing different peaks or locations, creating a tradition that continues in some areas today.
20th Century: Evolution into Trekking Poles
- Technological Advances: The 20th century brought significant advancements in the design and materials of hiking staffs. Traditional wooden staffs gradually gave way to lighter and more durable materials, such as aluminum and carbon fiber. The development of telescoping poles allowed hikers to adjust the length of their poles for different types of terrain, and shock-absorbing features improved comfort on long hikes.
- Trekking Poles: The modern trekking pole, which often comes in pairs, evolved from the traditional hiking staff. Trekking poles are designed to distribute weight more evenly across the body, reducing strain on the knees and improving balance. They have become standard equipment for hikers, backpackers, and mountaineers around the world.
Modern Use and Cultural Significance
- Recreational Hiking: Today, hiking staffs and trekking poles are widely used in recreational hiking, from casual day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips. They are valued for their ability to reduce impact on joints, improve stability on rough terrain, and enhance overall hiking efficiency.
- Cultural and Symbolic Value: In some cultures, the hiking staff retains symbolic significance. For example, in Japan, the "kongō-zue" is a traditional staff carried by pilgrims on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, representing a connection to the spiritual journey.
Customization and Craftsmanship
- Artisan Craft: Despite the prevalence of modern trekking poles, there is still a market for traditional, handcrafted hiking staffs. Artisans create custom staffs from wood, often adding carvings, engravings, or other personal touches that make each staff unique.
The evolution of the hiking staff reflects the broader history of human exploration and adventure. From a simple tool for support to a symbol of pilgrimage and a modern piece of hiking equipment, the hiking staff continues to play a vital role in outdoor activities and cultural traditions around the world.