History and Culture
Shepherd axes, or ‘Valaska’, hold significant historical and cultural importance in Central or Eastern Europe and Eurasia. The Shepherd axe has historically originated from Eurasia; during the 9th century, they were first used for combat fighting and self-defense by warriors from Bulgaria and Hungary, who called it the Fokos axe. It then migrated to Central Europe through the Carpathian Mountains from the 14th to 17th centuries, leading to its evolution throughout Europe by being used by shepherds for various tasks, such as a walking stick, cutting branches, and trimming hooves. Shepherds were inseparable from their axes in Czechoslovakia and Poland, often engraving the shaft with messages or initials to indicate their origins or ownership. Over time, the Shepherd axe became a symbol of identity and community, customized with decorations representing one's heritage or religious beliefs. These axes also featured prominently in folklore, with many stories and songs celebrating the axe's role in cultural and historical connotations. Regional variations of the Shepherd axe emerged, reflecting local traditions and artistic influences. This rich cultural heritage is preserved in traditional dances, where the axe is often used as a prop, and in art and literature, it symbolizes artistic beauty and cultural pride.
Construction and Techniques
The Shepherd’s axe is adorned with beautiful traditional designs and stamps that represent their owner, often imprinted by a skilled blacksmith. Common motifs include the Edelweiss flower from the Tatra mountains, flowers, mountains, cosmic, and geometric designs, each carrying symbolic significance and personal meaning. These intricate decorations reflect the craftsmanship and cultural heritage associated with each axe. The length of Shepherd axes is longer than typical axes, designed to provide good reach and serve as support while walking, especially during wartime. Historically, these axes were used as weapons in combat and for practical tasks like chopping small branches, leading to their increased length and lightweight design. This combination made them ideal for long-distance walks and various shepherding tasks. The headpiece of the axe known as the bit is typically sharp on one side being used for chopping branches, while the butt of the axe is flat being used as a hammer. The crafting process involves selecting high-quality wood for the handle and forging the metal blade to ensure durability and sharpness. Traditional techniques are often employed, including hand-carving the handle and applying decorative engraving. These methods are still incorporated and blended with contemporary innovations to preserve the art of Shepherd axe-making. The result is a tool that is not only functional but also a symbol of identity and craftsmanship.
Present day Usage
Shepherd axes remain relevant, symbolizing cultural heritage and craftsmanship. They are used in traditional ceremonies and as cherished collectibles. One notable example is the Slovak dance known as the Odzemok, where dancers skillfully incorporate Shepherd axes into their performances. This dance, traditionally performed by men, showcases strength and agility, with the axe serving as a central prop. The use of Shepherd axes in the Odzemok highlights their historical significance and cultural symbolism, connecting modern performances with traditions. Additionally, Shepherd axes are highly valued as artistic objects. Their intricate designs, often featuring detailed engravings, reflect the craftsmanship and creativity of their makers. Collectors appreciate them for their aesthetic appeal, with many axes displayed in museums, cultural centers, and private collections. This dual role in contemporary dance and as art pieces ensures that Shepherd axes continue to be celebrated and preserved, maintaining their cultural importance.
Examples of Shepherd Axes
Shepherd Axe 1:
Description: This axe has a silver hatch with cosmic design on it. The wood handle is plain without any words or additional designs.
Key Features:
Silver hatch with cosmic design.
Plain wood handle.
Shepherd Axe 2:
Description: The axe features a silver hatch that has an inscription saying "hello from the trojans," possibly indicating it as a gift. The wood handle is decorated with designs, including one depicting a scene of pigs and a hoe in a forest, and another showing a person playing an instrument with pigs eating outside.
Key Features:
Inscribed silver hatch Pozdrar z Trojanovic ("hello from the trojans").
Decorative designs on wood handles (pigs and hoe in forest, person playing instrument with pigs).
Shepherd Axe 3:
Description: This axe is wooden and has various sections of coloring on it. It features a floral design on the side and is embroidered with the name of the town where it was made, Buchlovie.
Key Features:
Wooden axe with colored sections.
Floral design on the side.
Embroidered town name ("Buchlovie").
Shepherd Axe 4:
Description: This axe has a bronze hatch from Frenstat pod Radhostem in Czechoslovakia, made in 1977. The wood handle has a design that likely symbolizes the creator's signature, along with a flower and town design on the hatch. It is embroidered with themes such as flowers and letters.
Key Features:
Bronze hatch from Frenstat pod Radhostem, Czechoslovakia (1977).
Wood handle with symbolic design.
Flower and town design on hatch.
Embroidered with floral and letter themes.
Written by Thomas Popoca
Sources
“Odzemok”, Folkdance Footnotes Beyond Choreography, https://folkdancefootnotes.org/dance/a-real-folk-dance-what-is-it/1st-generation-dances/odzemok-slovakia/, (Accessed August 8, 2024).
“Shepherd Axe”, Gransfors Bruk Sweden,https://www.gransforsbruk.com/en/info/shepherds_axe/, (Accessed August 8, 2024).
Wolfmann, “Shepherd Axe (Ciupaga), Wolfmaan, https://www.wolfmaan.com/shepherds-axe-ciupaga/, October 7,2021.
Burgess, Keith, “A Woodrunner’s Diary: The Shepherd Axe”, Woodrunner’s Diary, https://woodsrunnersdiary.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-shepherds-axe.html, November 10, 2016.