Walking stick - Wood and horn

Splendid example of a walking cane in braided horn, a classic example of folk art and traditional craftsmanship.

These canes were particularly popular from the late 19th to the early 20th century, often made by sailors, shepherds, or rural artisans who had access to organic materials and plenty of time to devote to meticulous manual work.

The shaft is made by taking numerous thin discs (or "washers") of animal horn, probably from cow, bull or ram, and threading them onto a central metal rod or a wooden dowel.

The maker carefully chose the order of the discs to create that evocative transition from light amber, translucent hues near the grip to deep, intense blacks further down along the shaft.

The curved handle is a single solid piece of horn that has been heated and bent to give it the desired shape.

The horn becomes malleable when boiled or heated, allowing it to be molded before it cools and hardens.

The silver-plated band between the handle and the shaft serves a dual function: reinforcing the joint where the greatest pressure is applied and adding a touch of elegance.

The end of the cane is a metal protective cap that has darkened with time.

This is not merely a functional tool, but a work designed to showcase the artisan's patience.

Each of those numerous discs had to be cut, drilled in the center, and polished individually.

Dimensions: Total length 88.5 cm.