AINCIART BERGARA
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For seven generations, the Ainciart Bergara family has been making the makhila, the traditional Basque walking stick. In addition to its utilitarian function, this handcrafted art object is a decorative object that conveys values and is representative of Basque culture. The Ainciart Bergara family has been awarded the EPV distinction for its skills, which have also been listed in the Unesco inventory of Métiers d'Art Rares.
The story. Liza Bergara, Charles' granddaughter and Nicole's daughter, perpetuates an old family tradition in Larressore (Basque Country). Charles worked at the makhilas with his father Jean-Joanes Bergara, then succeeded him. When Joanes Bergara married Marie-Jeanne Ainciart in 1926, he had learned the trade from his father-in-law Jean, born in 1862. The latter had learned the secrets of the trade from his father Antoine, born in 1831, and his grandfather Gratien, born in 1796. The latter won a gold medal at the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1889. Their makhilas were signed Ainciart until 1926, when they became Ainciart Bergara.
Products. The makhila is a traditional Basque walking stick. As practical as it is elegant, it symbolizes an entire way of living and thinking. The family-run workshop uses a variety of materials: medlar wood, kid leather for the braid and straps, and metals for the ferrules and pommels. Three models are available: the horn pommel makhila, the honor makhila and the honor makhila with leather braid.
Workmanship. Nine craftsmen.
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