{"product_id":"aboriginal-message-sticks-handcrafted-first-nations-cultural-item","title":"Aboriginal Message Sticks | Handcrafted First Nations Cultural Item","description":"\u003cp\u003eHandcrafted by Wailwaan and Yuin artist, Millmullian, Laurance Magick Dennis, these authentic Aboriginal message sticks\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eare a culturally significant First Nations object used by the Wailwaan, Yuin, Wiradjuri, Gamilaraay and many other Aboriginal Nations across Australia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach message stick tells a different story. Their explanation is included with a Certificate of Authenticity. Each is handcrafted on Country from sustainably sourced timber.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA meaningful gift and a respected addition to any personal collection of First Nations art and cultural items.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessage 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMade on Country, with respect for Country\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eEach 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho these message sticks are for\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCollectors of First Nations art, artefacts and cultural items\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnyone seeking an authentic, ethically sourced gift backed by a trusted source\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEducators and students learning about Aboriginal communication, culture and Country\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCustomers looking to display a respected First Nations cultural object in the home or workplace\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's included\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eEvery 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eSustainably sourced timber\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eHandcrafted in Australia by a First Nations maker\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIncludes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eCertificate of authenticity, care and cultural meaning information\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 275x40x15mm, 150g\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Australian Museum Shop","offers":[{"title":"Burrulaa ngiyaningu","offer_id":54153412509980,"sku":"MESAGESTICK4","price":450.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Gawaa gali-baraay","offer_id":54153412542748,"sku":"MESAGESTICK3","price":450.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Guwaalay","offer_id":54153412575516,"sku":"MESAGESTICK5","price":450.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0293\/3394\/6416\/files\/Message-Stick-4.jpg?v=1779849500","url":"https:\/\/shop.australian.museum\/products\/aboriginal-message-sticks-handcrafted-first-nations-cultural-item","provider":"Australian Museum Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}