Our Treasures: Whangārei Museum's walking stick probably made by whaling ship seaman 15 Feb, 2021 04:00 PM 5 minutes to read Where the body meets the knob, a 'Turks head' knot, on the whalebone walking stick at Whangārei Museum. Where the body meets the knob, a 'Turks head' knot, on the whalebone walking stick at Whangārei Museum. OUR TREASURES Walking sticks or canes have been around as long as civilisation, not only for practical purposes such as walking or hiking but also for ceremonial use, to show status or authority. A nice hefty stick was a protection for early shepherds or travellers, to fend off robbers or animals.