The carving of faces in rustic wood began with the ancient Celtic tribes of northern Europe and dates back to the pre-history of Stonehenge. In sacred forests, grim faced gods hewn by axe adorned tree trunks and provided a safe holy sanctuary.
The Celts believed that the great trees were spiritual embodiments of mystical Druid priests and great warriors. The old country belief was that the tree spirit or Green Man brought crop fertility and good fortune for it symbolized seasonal renewal.
Steve Duncan, a native of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is known for his hand carved canes and staffs. Using traditional hand tools and local hardwoods, he carves each stick in his self taught free hand style. Being both useful and collectible, each walking stick reflects its own nature as well as the artist's imagination.
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