One of the most important parts of a Devrek Cane is finding the suitable branch of a Cornelian Cherry. The branches are collected between August to October every year, when the climate is relatively dry and branches are less moist. Branches are hung vertically for around two years in order to naturally straighten and dry the body. Thisis followed by a straightening board process that takes several months, and then are  heated to remove the crust from the body.Once the body has gone through this treatment, it is  ready for the artist to artistically render the piece of nature  by carving and sanding to reach his final figure. . Snakes, diamonds and roses are the most commonly used patterns of Devrek Canes.

For special products, when an appropriate tree branch is found, the body and handle parts are of the same branch. In these cases, the handle is also made out of cornelian cherry tree and designed in a natural L-shape. Traditionally though, the handle is designed separately and it is made out of walnut tree as is more comfortable to hold. The artist may carve animal faces, such as dogs, wolves or may prefer carving an orthopedic design into the handle. Another special material that is used for the handle occasionally is the horn of the Anatolian grown Water Buffalo. The horn, when carved and polished, gives the cane a more delicate look. It also is easier to maintain since it does not collect dirt as easily. The product becomes more expensive when the grip is made out of horn due to its scarcity. As the horn is a very stiff material, it is used for the foot of the cane as well. The foot is the third and last part of the cane and is added to the body together with the handle.

Colorizing is the last step of the making of the Devrek Cane, which adds value to the final design. The colorizing is traditionally performed with nitric acid. The natural white color of the Cornelia Cherry wood is turned into brown when it is exposed to nitric acid and flame. The density of the additives determines the color tone, which could range from light green to dark brown. Drawing ink is used for the final dressing of the figures.

Varnishing is the last phase of the cane making. Despite the common tendency that a varnished wood work is presented only as a decorative souvenir, a glazed Devrek cane is graded as a higher value of art and does not lose its practical purposes.

The history of Devrek Cane roots back to 18th century, and  was recognized as a traditional art in the 1980s. The traditional production techniques throughout the centuries have been enriched by new handcraft techniques and the mixture has formed today’s production techniques.

The combination of the geography and traditional woodworking has enabled this very unique art to emerge in Devrek. Currently, Devrek is one of the centers in Anatolia in Cane production, similar to many wood works in the region. Due to its unique characteristics, Devrek Canes are highly ranked collector items.

Devrek, a small North Anatolian town in Turkey, is located 50 km away from the Black sea shore and approximately 220 km northern of Ankara. Due to its mountainous and forestry landscape and a its long history as an important passage for trade routes, mid-North Anatolia has always been an important location for wood artisans.

Wood works have always served as an important means of living just like today. The wood that is used for Devrek cane is the Cornelian Cherry tree (Cornus Mas), which is typical for southern Europe and south western Asia. Because of the strong fibres of the wood, the wood is very strong and famous for being easy to bend but hard to break. Unlike most of the woods, Cornus Mas sinks in water due to higher density. Since slight climate changes in different regions effect the quality of the tree branches, the producers usually select the trees from the woods 35 km south of Devrek.

Devrek Festival (Devrek Cane Festival)

Devrek town hosts annual Devrek Festival in July. It is a great opportunity to meet the best cane craftsmen and their most exquisite canes. Devrek Festival in July is also a perfect way to explore the western Black Sea region of Turkey which preserves a great ecosystem for birds and plants.

Tansel Isik -known as Tansel usta- is one of the most known cane artist in Devrek and in Turkey. He gained his skills in Devrek where he was born and raised. Most of his canes are sold out throughout the year to collectors who describe Tansel Isik's signature as a proof of high-quality.

Dimensions: 110 cm (length) x 3 cm (diameter)
Color and Figure: Yellow spiral snake on brown main body with double helix on top. Eagle head hand grip.
Material: Branches of Cornelian cherry tree and Walnut tree

Origin: North Anatolian Mountains, Turkey
Represents: Long healthy life
Significance: Cornelian Cherry trees with exceptionally strong fibers turn into an exquisite art, which seconds as a sturdy walking stick. The tree brunches are hung vertically for two years in order to strengthen the body so that the artist is freed to carve his talent to give a more delicate look.

Shipping: 

Ships from Turkey via UPS or Turkish National Post Office (PTT).
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