Valaška

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Klemens Bachleda.

Polish all wood imitation of ciupaga sold to tourists in Zakopane.

The valaška (Polish: ciupaga) is a long, thin and light axe used in the past centuries by Gorals in the mountainious parts of Poland and Slovakia as a weapon, stick or a tool. It has symbolic historical and cultural connotations and is used as a prop in many traditional dances like the odzemok. The valaška was popularized by the Slovak historical legendary figure Juraj Jánošík, a forest robber who robbed the rich and gave to the poor.

[edit] Appearance

A valaška is a smaller light-weight axe on a long straight wooden shaft with a metal butt. The length of the shaft is slightly above 1 metre. The shafts were usually engraved as their owners had plenty of time for the creation. The metal axe on top is small and thick. It is sharp on one side while the other side can be used as a hammer. The top of the axe is always formed in a way that it would fit in one's hand and could be used as a walking stick.

Today's valaškas are mostly decorative, some having a golden or silver head and many are considered a work of art.

Juraj Jánošík holding his valaška as a walking stick

[edit] Usage

Valaškas were mostly used by shepherds, because they are a versatile tool, providing a small axe, small hammer and a walking stick. It can not, however, be used to cut heavy trees. A valaška is an inseparable tool of a Slovak shepherd as well as a heavy decorative belt.

In present times valaškas are still made and sold as souvenirs or for decoration purposes. Occasionally they may be seen in the rural parts of the country where older men may still use them as walking sticks. It is also still used for the traditional dances. They are not used as a tool or a weapon anymore.