Chapter 1: Introduction

Elegant and sophisticated, multi-functional and practical, a walking stick is perhaps the most versatile accessory in any wardrobe. Like a floor-length extension of its user’s hand, it provides a fifth limb that can become either an arm or a leg as needed. For as long as humans have walked erect, they have enjoyed the benefit of this simple tool to facilitate and enrich the process. Yet, far from being solely a mobility aid, the walking stick is employed in capacities as diverse as its long, rich history.

Over the centuries, the walking stick has found many uses, ranging from weapon, to guide, to status symbol. The basic staff itself is thousands of years old and featured in many of our most long-surviving legends. Some of the world’s oldest texts detail various uses of walking sticks, and many of the most prominent figures in ancient history are generally depicted carrying one. The Rod of Asclepius and the caduceus – two modern symbols of medicine – are thought to have originated from legend of potent healing power in the form of a walking staff carried by the Biblical Moses.

In more recent history, the 17th or 18th century saw the replacement of a sword with a straight walking stick as the accessory of choice for European gentlemen. The survival of this tradition is evident today in the classical pairings of walking sticks with top hats and tails among the most formal of gatherings. In modern theater and film, the walking stick is frequently employed as a prop to depict the upper echelon of society.

Yet, the more humble beginnings of the walking stick have also not been forgotten. Frequently referred to as a “shepherd’s staff”, the simple, crook-handled model traditionally fashioned from wood is a visual tribute to pastoral serenity and simplicity. In this role, it bears associations with many spiritual and religious metaphors. It can also be referred to as a “pilgrim’s staff,” a name derived from its use during spiritual journeys to holy sites.

The walking stick once used as a simple shepherd’s aid or wanderer’s tool has evolved into a variety of modern models. Its purpose today can range from a simple balancing aid to an ergonomic or athletic accessory. Many forms of walking sticks are now designed to improve comfort and efficiency of cardiovascular workouts. Others facilitate walking for those with limited movement.

Quite in contrast to these practical functions, the walking stick can also be strictly a showpiece. The many traditions associated with walking sticks have lent a nostalgic air that endears many collectors. Among the more valuable collector’s models are those constructed of unique materials and those that pay tribute to a particularly fascinating slice of history.

Overall, the many past and present uses of walking sticks have engendered a myriad of designs. They are available in a variety of colors and materials and with widely ranging features and accessories. More than simply providing a function, a walking stick also makes a statement. More than just an extension of the hand, it is also an extension of the personality.