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Box Containing Eight Aboriginal Australian Artifacts, mid 19th to early 20th Century Wood, pig…
Message Stick
Box Containing Eight Aboriginal Australian Artifacts, mid 19th to early 20th Century Wood, pig…
Box Containing Eight Aboriginal Australian Artifacts, mid 19th to early 20th Century Wood, pigment, bone, stone, glass and fiber 2015.17.41.1-.9 The George Stanley Lodin Collection
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Message Stick

ClassificationsSculpture
Datemid 19th - early 20th Century
Made AtWestern Australia, Australia, Australia
Collection SiteSydney, New South Wales, Australia, Australia
MediumWood and pigment
Dimensions6 1/2 × 1/2 × 1/2 in. (16.5 × 1.3 × 1.3 cm)
Credit LineThe George Stanley Lodin Collection
Object number2015.17.41.2
DescriptionMessage sticks enabled important communications to be passed between various Aboriginal Australian groups. As there are hundreds of different languages and dialects spoken, a common mechanism for communication was essential. The symbols and markings on the sticks were not a script to be read, but rather a mnemonic device for messengers. Messengers would use these symbols to accurately relay notices, invitations, requests and announcements to a translator. In addition, message sticks served as a type of passport. With it in hand, a messenger could safely pass through the lands of various nations and clan groupings without incident.
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