Cane late 19th century Irish The shillelagh is a traditional walking stick of Ireland, associated with folklore and given as a symbol of coming of age to young men. Also modified and used as a protective weapon, the shillelagh was carried by men to use against rival factions that might meet during public events. The thorny vines of this example are attractively interwoven around the gnarled shaft with a polished root handle. While decorative, it is easy to see how such an instrument could be utilized to exact a painful wound.. Cane. Irish. late 19th century. wood, metal