Skip to main content
Advanced Search
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
Copyright Bowers Museum

Message Stick

ClassificationsSculpture
Datemid 19th - early 20th Century
Made AtNorthern Territory, Australia, Australia
Collection SiteSydney, New South Wales, Australia, Australia
MediumWood and pigment
Dimensions5 × 7/8 × 1/8 in. (12.7 × 2.2 × 0.3 cm)
Credit LineThe George Stanley Lodin Collection
Object number2015.17.41.3
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.
On View
Not on view
Box Containing Eight Aboriginal Australian Artifacts, mid 19th to early 20th Century Wood, pig…
Message Stick
mid 19th - early 20th Century
Bell-Iron Currency (Ngke), 19th Century Yoruba culture; Nigeria Iron and fibrous rope; 32 1/8…
Bell Currency (Ngke)
Yoruba
19th Century
Walking Stick (Tokotoko), late 19th Century Māori culture; New Zealand, Polynesia Wood and ab…
Walking Stick (Tokotoko)
Māori
late 19th Century
Ritual Magic Bag with Amulets, 20th Century Shagur village, Kairiru Island, Sepik Coast, East …
Bag and Amulets
20th Century
Walking Stick, 20th Century China Wood; 47 1/2 × 1 × 1 in. 2021.7.6 Anonymous Gift
Walking Stick
20th Century
Walking Stick, 20th Century Ethiopia Wood; 60 × 1 1/2 × 1 1/8 in. 2021.7.28 Anonymous Gift
Walking Stick
20th Century
Walking Stick, 20th Century Ethiopia Wood and metal; 53 × 1/2 in. 2021.7.27 Anonymous Gift
Walking Stick
20th Century
Ink Stick, c. 1715 China Ink and paint; 8 1/2 × 4 × 1 1/4 in. 2014.14.2.1 Gift of Anne and …
Ink Stick
1715
Ink Stick, c. 1715 China Ink and paint; 6 1/4 × 4 3/8 × 1 in. 2014.14.3.1 Gift of Anne and …
Ink Stick
1715
Discoidal (‘ulu maika), 19th Century Hawaii, Polynesia Composite limestone; 3 × 1 1/4 in. 20…
Discoidal (‘ulu maika)
possibly 19th Century
Walking Stick, 20th Century Massim culture; Bagaman Island, Calvados Chain, Milne Bay Province…
Walking Stick
Massim
20th Century
Shrine Statue, 19th Century Miao or Yao culture; China Wood; 15 1/2 × 4 3/8 × 4 3/4 in. 2020…
Shrine Statue
Miao
19th Century
eMuseum
Copyright © eMuseum