Last modified: 2011-05-14 by andrew weeks
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"Ciupaga" Valaška is a light axe with a long straight wooden
shaft, often with a metal butt. The length of the shaft is slightly above
1 metre. Shafts were usually
engraved as their owners had plenty of time for creation. Small metal
head-piece is sharp on one side while the other side is flat and can be
used as a hammer. The head-piece is formed to fit comfortably into hand
so the valaška could be used as a walking stick.
Todays valaškas are mostly decorative, some having golden or silver
head-pieces. Many are considered works of art.
In Slovakia and Poland, valaškas were inseparable tools of Slovak and
Polish shepherds, together with heavy decorative belts. In Polish and Slovak
culture, valaška was popularized by historical legend of Janosik (Jánošík).
Flag: a rectangle in proportions 5:8 divided vertically into three bands
1:2:1.
Narrow outside bands are green and the middle one, wide, is white.
The Coat of Arms is placed in the center of the white band.
The colors are taken from the predominant colors of the Arms."
Chrystian Kretowicz, 14 Oct 2008