Just back from my third working trip to Syria I discovered a new item on offer in the busy arts and crafts market stalls [Suk's] of Damascus - namely lots of nice ratten canes, some straight with leather knob handle and other with cute curl/hook handle i.e. much smaller than our traditional school curved handle.
Given that from my knowledge the locals are not given to smiting children one wonders who/what else might these items be bought for and what has caused this new development?
Anyone have any local knowledge on this phenomenon?