Aboriginal Message Sticks | Handcrafted First Nations Cultural Item
Handcrafted by Wailwaan and Yuin artist, Millmullian, Laurance Magick Dennis, these authentic Aboriginal message sticks are a culturally significant First Nations object used by the Wailwaan, Yuin, Wiradjuri, Gamilaraay and many other Aboriginal Nations across Australia.
Each message stick tells a different story. Their explanation is included with a Certificate of Authenticity. Each is handcrafted on Country from sustainably sourced timber.
A meaningful gift and a respected addition to any personal collection of First Nations art and cultural items.
Message sticks are a traditional form of long-distance communication. Young runners would carry a message stick within their own Nation or between neighbouring Nations to give notice of an upcoming ceremony, gathering or other cultural event. Message sticks were also used to pass news between communities, or to carry a specific message from one person to another through a designated message carrier. The markings carved into each stick helped the carrier remember and faithfully deliver its meaning.
Made on Country, with respect for Country Each message stick is shaped from timber sourced from Country, sometimes from fallen wood and sometimes from a branch taken with permission from a living tree. Because the timber is naturally sourced, you may see variations in grain, colour, tone and natural markings across each piece. These variations are respected by the makers as signs that tell stories of the object coming to life in the hands of the craftsperson through creator spirit. No two message sticks are identical.
Who these message sticks are for
- Collectors of First Nations art, artefacts and cultural items
- Anyone seeking an authentic, ethically sourced gift backed by a trusted source
- Educators and students learning about Aboriginal communication, culture and Country
- Customers looking to display a respected First Nations cultural object in the home or workplace
What's included Every message stick ships with a certificate of authenticity along with care information and an explanation of cultural meaning, so you can display and look after it with respect.
The Australian Museum Shop supports First Nations makers and the cultural continuation of Aboriginal knowledge, language and craft. Purchasing from our shop helps sustain artists working on Country.
Material: Sustainably sourced timber
Origin: Handcrafted in Australia by a First Nations maker
Includes: Certificate of authenticity, care and cultural meaning information
Dimensions: Approximately 275x40x15mm, 150g
Delivery costs are calculated at checkout and include the total weight of items within an order.
Orders are posted Mon - Weds. Standard post to Australian addresses will arrive within 5 - 7 working days from dispatch date.
For international delivery, please allow an additional 14 days
We hope you are happy with your purchase(s). But if not, we will exchange or issue a refund provided that the goods are returned in saleable condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
A message stick is a traditional First Nations object used to carry information across distance. Carved markings helped a runner or designated message carrier remember and accurately deliver news, invitations to ceremonies or messages between people and Nations.
Q: Are these message sticks authentic and ethically made? Yes. Each piece is handcrafted on Country by a trusted First Nations maker using timber that is sustainably sourced from fallen wood or branches taken with permission from living trees. A certificate of authenticity is included with every purchase.
Q: Why do the message sticks vary in appearance? Because the timber is naturally sourced, you may notice variation in grain, colour, tone and natural markings between pieces. The makers respect these variations as part of the object's story and as a sign of the timber coming to life in the craftsperson's hands. No two message sticks are alike.
Q: What is included with each message stick?
Each message stick comes with a certificate of authenticity along with care information and an explanation of the cultural meaning, so you can display and look after it respectfully.
