Walking Sticks
In the past, walking sticks were an essential part of a gentleman's and aristocrat's wardrobe and functioned as a practical, yet decorative, accessory. The walking stick could also be used as a defensive weapon and some pieces even concealed a knife or small sword. Some walking sticks are referred to as "Malacca cane" and were made from the stem of a rattan palm mostly sourced on the island of Sumatra. When dressed, they were of brown color and sometimes mottled. Walking sticks in The East Indies Museum are made from such rattan as well rare woods like "timoho" and solid burl. The handles of the sticks are expertly crafted with silver, gold, ivory and/or horn.
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Sultan HB-VI (Jogjakarta) Courtesy Tropenmuseum - Amsterdam |
