Knot stick

Knot stick of simple shape and design, naturally grown

A knot stick is a stick with thickened outgrowths (knots). It is often thickened at the top. As a rule, the knot poles are made from naturally grown branches and roots from different trees.

Images of knot sticks are already known from antiquity , as they were found on vases and reliefs . In the Middle Ages, the knot stick was used as a walking stick or aid in locomotion (ascent, overcoming ditches). Due to its knots, it could also be used as a weapon. In contrast to the Irish Shillelagh or the African Knobkierrie , which were designed as a weapon and specially manufactured, the knotted stick is still intended more as a tool.

Twisted sticks such as the Ziegenhainer or the stenz stick used by the craftsmen on the Walz are often referred to as a knot stick. These are still in use today and are mainly used as walking aids , but can still be used as a defense on the Walz.

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  Habit of hazelnut, wrapped in honeysuckle as it grows and shaped like this

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  Carved, not grown knot sticks

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  Various Irish Shillelagh (weapon)

literature

• knot stick. In: Jacob Grimm , Wilhelm Grimm (Hrsg.): German dictionary . tape 11 : K - (V). S. Hirzel, Leipzig 1873, Sp. 1510 ( woerterbuchnetz.de ).

Web links

• Wandering craftsmen on the roller with knot sticks (Stenz)
• Decorated knot stick at Hermann Historica