Native American Talking Stick

           My next project I feel will be a Native American Talking Stick.  This is not a picture of driftwood although it could pass for driftwood.  I know better though.  I found it on my property and know that it comes from some sort of vining tree...that climbs up around oaks and pines.  It is an extremely hardwood and very heavy.  I own a walking stick cut from such a vine/tree and it has broken many an aluminum pole. 

           I liked the idea of a talking stick because it seems to be the best way to decorate this unique piece of wood.  Also, I liked the fact that Native American Indians were much more civilized in their debates (although they considered the stick to be inhabited by spirits) than say the British Parliament or the American Congress.  The stick was often decorated with strips of leather, feathers, and carvings of animals or symbols.

         It was passed around during ceremonies and discussions so that only the man holding the stick could speak.  When that person was finished he would pass it to his right or left according to seniority or the man of his choice so that the next person whether agreeing or disagreeing would have a chance to voice his opinion.   Discipline to not steal the stick or fight over it or talk too long likely came from that fact that they believed that spirits indwelled themselves in it. 

      Though it holds somewhat of a spiritualism image I like that fact that it is part of the Native American heritage and held order in debate.  The idea has intrigued me so much that I plan on making one of the stick you see here. 

      It is so wrinkled and mysteriously knotted that I thought I could never find the right thing to burn on it.  It shall make a lovely talking stick for anyone of Native American Ancestry, any collector of Native American history, or anyone who wants to teach their children not to talk out of turn.  It has a marvellous knot on the end that I thought was perfect for keeping others in line.  (grins) 

       I cannot be certain of this at the moment, but the talking stick may have also been used in story telling!

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