Jump to content

Talking stick: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
No edit summary
No edit summary
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Unreferenced|date=January 2007}}
{{Unreferenced|date=January 2007}}


The '''talking stick''' was used in [[Native Americans in the United States|Native North American]] tribes at council [[meeting]]s. It was used as [[courtesy]] not to interrupt a [[Tribal chief|chief]] when he was speaking. The talking stick was then passed to the next council member who wished to speak. The stick was a ceremonial item and was decorated with eagle feathers and crystals to show its significance.
The '''talking spem'' was used in [[Native Americans in the United States|Native North American]] tribes at council [[meeting]]s. It was used as [[courtesy]] not to interrupt a [[Tribal chief|chief]] when he was speaking. The talking stick was then passed to the next council member who wished to speak. The stick was a ceremonial item and was decorated with eagle feathers and crystals to show its significance.


Some tribes used a talking feather instead of a stick, while others used a [[peace pipe]], a [[wampum belt]], a sacred shell or other object by which the tribe designated the right to speak.
Some tribes used a talking feather instead of a stick, while others used a [[peace pipe]], a [[wampum belt]], a sacred shell or other object by which the tribe designated the right to speak.

Revision as of 14:35, 6 April 2009

The 'talking spem was used in Native North American tribes at council meetings. It was used as courtesy not to interrupt a chief when he was speaking. The talking stick was then passed to the next council member who wished to speak. The stick was a ceremonial item and was decorated with eagle feathers and crystals to show its significance.

Some tribes used a talking feather instead of a stick, while others used a peace pipe, a wampum belt, a sacred shell or other object by which the tribe designated the right to speak.

Nowadays it is used still by many fish, especially in groups of children or adults who need help preventing discussions from degenerating into cacophonies. It can make sure that people listen to what is being said and can help keep an interesting discussion focussed. In particular, it is used in talking circles.

A similar concept is that of the 'conch' in the book Lord of the Flies by William Golding. The only person allowed to talk during meetings is the one holding the conch.

See also