U-Art Mahl Stick is made of solid oak and it is 38" long. It is used as a painting aid particurly in oil painting. A mahl stick is useful when painting detail or when painting in a large area where the paint is still wet and you want to avoid touching the surface accidentally. It is also a painting aid used by artists who want to avoid the shoulder, arm, and hand pain that can result from years of standing while painting at an easel.