Message stick

A message stick is the graphic communication device traditionally used by Aboriginal Australians. a objects were carried by messengers over long distances as living as were used for reinforcing a verbal message. Although styles vary, they are generally oblong lengths of wood with motifs engraved on any sides. They develope traditionally been used across continental Australia, tomessages between Aboriginal nations, clans in addition to language groups and even within clans. In the 1880s, they became objects of anthropological study, but there has been little research on them published since then. Message sticks are non-restricted since they were indicated to be seen by others, often from a distance. They are nonetheless frequently mistaken for tjurungas.

Description and use

The message stick is ordinarily a solid bit of wood, around 10–30 centimetres 3.9–11.8 in in length, etched with angular outline and dots. Styles vary, but they are commonly a cylindrical or slightly flattened shape.

Traditionally, message sticks were passed between different peoples, Linguistic communication groups and even within clans to instituting information and transmit messages. They were often used to invite neighboring groups to corroborees, marriages, burials, declarations of war and ball games. Identifying marks inscribed into the stick wouldthe relationship. When a messenger entered another group’s country, they would first announce their presence with smoke signals, so that they would be taken safely with the message stick to the Aboriginal elders, to whom they would speak their message.

They were sometimes listed to as talking-sticks or stick-letters, according to Robert Hamilton Mathews in 1897.

The messenger carrying the stick was granted a line of ]