Naw•Ken / NAG•GIN / NA•KEN / Na•KER / NAU•KER: A Tinker, A Traveller, a Tinkler-Gypsy. Also, a self-identifying Cant term of the Scottish and Irish Travellers.
Source: ‘The Scottish Traveller Dialects’ by Jess Smith & Robert Dawson and ‘An Irish Traveller Pavee Cant (Gammon/Shelta) Dictionary'’ by Robert Dawson. Please note, ‘Tinker'’ and ‘Tinkler-Gypsy’ are now considered racially derogatory terms and should be avoided when referring to the Nawken-Travellers. the term ‘Traveller’ is preferred.
Taking family tradition to the next step.
Nawken Walkin' Sticks©
For countless centuries, my Nawken-Traveller family wandered Scotland and Ireland, lived in the the open-air, and earned their way dealing horses and by using their hands as skilled tinsmiths, muggers (earthenware potters), and horners (horn-carvers). Travelling by foot, the nomadic Nawkens' walking stick was a vital tool in getting across the uncompromising terrain of the northern glens and braes, especially before there were roads. As half-Nawken, it seems only natural for me to take up the old craft of hand-carving walking sticks from the raw materials around me. Using the same simple hand-tools, I take the design to the next step by turning a backyard branch into functional art.
Each one-of-a-kind Nawken Walkin’ Stick© is made from Eastern Ontario maple or applewood and comes in a distressed plaid or harlequin design to enhance the natural imperfections and curves of the wood. All sticks are accented by a solid brass or stainless steel shaft, which includes two inter-changeable tips (stainless-steel point and heavy-duty rubber), a genuine leather hand-strap, and is given its own unique name after an ancestor in tribute. All Nawken Walkin’ Sticks© are protected by a satin, oil-based Varathane. Custom orders available.
Please note, any prolonged exposure to direct sunlight will lighten the stain, so store accordingly when not in use. Brass fixtures will naturally tarnish over time, but can easily be polished with a reputable brass cleaner. Periodically, apply an oil-based polish to the walking stick to maintain the quality of the wood. Nawken Walkin’ Sticks© are functional art and not intended for medical use. Please use at own risk.
‘Nawken Walkin’ Sticks’ © are the exclusive property of Burnt Orange Design and are protected by Canadian and international copyright, trademark, and other laws.
Custom Orders
Commemorate a special place with a custom Nawken Walkin’ Stick.
Send me a branch from a home, park, or cemetery, and I will commemorate your special place with a one-of-a-kind Nawken Walkin’ Stick. Spring months are the best time to collect winter breakage. Please do not cut branches without proper permission. A great gift idea!
