About Canes
Did you know there was a golden era of canes? From 1550 to 1930, canes were a very important item. Ladies and gentlemen didn't go anywhere without them. They weren't always using them--they were wearing them. Remember Fred Astaire putting on his top hat and getting out his cane? Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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Kingly power was once symbolized by the scepter carried in the right hand. Even the Church bestowed a pastoral staff upon the bishop. Long with a crooked handle, it showed the bishop's prestige. Even up to the 17th century, those in authority, such as judges, kings, priests and generals, carried a staff indicative of their power. Before there was an armed police force, a gentleman had no recourse but to defend himself when attacked. He did it with his cane. As society became more civilized, canes were still around, if only as status symbols and examples of finery.
Types
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There are many types of canes. In their heyday, folk art canes had handles that were animal heads, faces, flowers and even frames for little photos. The city stick cane was for strolling. Gadget canes were the most unusual of all. Fifteen hundred patents were filed for canes that were cleverly disguised guns, swords and flasks. Some played music, some turned into fishing poles and some were actually microscopes or perfume holders. Doctors, undertakers, bankers could have canes signifying their occupations.
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Features
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Canes feature ivory and ebony, porcelain and enamel, hand-carved wood and cut glass. They might even have handles made of gold, silver, whale bone, rhino horn or gemstones. Contemporary canes in natural materials range from $90 and up, while collectible canes such as the Sterling Snake With Ivory Wart Hog Tusk On Snakewood from Antique Cane World can go to $900 or more. There are also modern-day canes of aluminum, wood and rubber that are strictly utilitarian.
Function
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Many canes do have an important therapeutic function. The Merry Therapeutic Cane is designed for self-rehabilitation. Standard canes weigh only about 14 ounces, but this therapy cane weighs 2 pounds and has the ability to be increased in weight by one or two pounds more. Using this cane on a weakened side helps patients restore arm, leg and back muscles with each step. There are also four-footed canes that help with balance and mobility.
Significance
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Perhaps the most significant and familiar cane of all is the white one with the red tip, used by the blind. This cane was invented in 1921, after an artist named James Bigg lost his sight in an accident. Because increased motor vehicle traffic made him feel threatened, he painted his walking stick white to make himself more visible. In 1964, Congress adopted a resolution authorizing the President to declare White Cane Safety Day on October 15. The National Federation of the Blind was and is instrumental in promoting the white cane for the visually impaired, as a symbol of their true independence and victory over the challenges of mobility.
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Resources
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