The Evolution Of Wooden Canes
Walking sticks were undoubtedly first selected from fallen tree branches found along the forested trails by our ancestors. These walking sticks were first just practical, but man, being the creative being that he is, started making a statement about himself by carving identifying marks on the walking sticks. Later, when he devised the formed wooden cane, he carved self-identify symbols into the wood of his cane. As leaders were selected in the early villages and societies, the walking stick came to symbolize authority. Carved wooden canes were often substituted for the walking staff or stick.
As the early humans thrived in these villages and small communities, usually by trade and growing and selling crops, they domesticated animals. The wooden cane became a tool for herding sheep, goats, and other herd instinct animals. The canes were often elongated with large crooks on the end for ease of grabbing an animal. These practical animal canes were often stylized with feathers, pieces of leather, and elaborate carvings.
The wooden cane was eventually enhanceed by adding fanciful trappings made of animal skins, leather pieces, colored feathers, and rudimentary carvings. As time moved forward, the carvings became more elaborate and eventually pretty stones, and bits of bone and ivory were added to the wooden cane in pleasing spots — usually on the upper shaft and the handle of the wooden canes. Many of these ancient pieces are displayed in museums about the world.
The United States Antiques Roadshow holds events in the larger cities in America — about fifty times a year. Tucson, Arizona recently held an Antiques Roadshow and several Navajo Indian carved wooden canes were shown. Some of these carved wooden canes were done in the 'soul catcher' style. A soul catcher is an item used by an American Native Shaman to harvest lost spirits and souls. The Antiques Roadshow host always evaluates items that were selected by the Roadshow team. A few of these hand-crafted wooden canes were valued at over a thousand dollars each. The Antiques Roadshow displays and evaluates maps, photos, carvings, paintings, pottery, and other somewhat portable antique items. Most of the items displayed at these Antiques Roadshows are for sale on the spot.
CANESGALORE.COM is an excellent Internet site for not only stylish wooden canes, but canes made of all sorts of materials. These wooden canes are inexpensive and most that are depicted in the advertisement are immediately available with only a few days of shipping time. Often CanesGalore.com has sales with as much as 30 percent off the list price. These wooden canes are meant to be practical as well as delightful with their pleasing designs. The woods are selected for both their strength and beauty. The woods are long-lasting and the wooden canes can be passed on from generation to generation.
