Walking sticks and batons are more than just functional objects. They reflect craftsmanship, durability and artistic expression. Showcasing this unique heritage, the Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library (PMML) will organise a curated exhibition titled Walking with Legacy: From Necessity to Identity in New Delhi today. The exhibition is a curated showcase from the PMML Toshakhana, featuring walking sticks and batons as markers of identity and governance.

 

Depending on their purpose, walking sticks and batons may be plain or richly ornamented. Their handles and shafts are enhanced with materials including ivory, bone, brass, silver, copper, gold, gemstones and enamel. The finished pieces are assembled and coated with wax, oil, shellac or varnish for protection and durability. Crafted from materials such as ebony, mahogany, rosewood, teak, sheesham, bamboo, malacca cane and other hardwoods, these objects showcase traditional woodworking techniques, including seasoning, shaping, turning and polishing.

 

The exhibition will also showcase decorative elements such as nature-inspired motifs, floral and geometric patterns, family crests, emblems and symbolic designs, engraved inscriptions, and lacquer work with natural wood finishes, offering visitors a glimpse into the craftsmanship behind these remarkable objects.