Talking Sticks

Talking Sticks - Cheyenne Native Indian     

Native American Talking Sticks. Discover facts and information about the culture of Native American Indians and their use of Talking Sticks

  • Talking Sticks and Native American Indian tribes
  • Definition of a Talking Sticks
  • Talking Sticks and the culture of Native Americans
  • Interesting facts and information about the use Talking Sticks and the culture and ceremonies of Native American Indians
Native American Culture
Native Indian Tribes Index

The Talking Sticks
Definition of Talking Sticks: What are Talking Sticks? Talking Sticks has been used for centuries by many Native American tribes as a means of an orderly, just and impartial hearing. Talking Sticks were most commonly used at major events such as tribal council meetings and Pow-wow gatherings and important ceremonies but their use was also extended to storytelling circles and teaching children. Talking Sticks allow people to present and express their Sacred Point of View.

Description of Talking Sticks
The people responsible for holding any type council meetings were required to make a Talking Stick specifically for the event. Talking sticks were therefore made from carefully selected materials that had a special meaning and significance to the maker. The size of Talking sticks was usually taken from the measurement between the elbow to the tips of the fingers. Talking Sticks were usually long, narrow, brightly colored and adorned with furs and or feathers.

Symbolism associated with Talking Sticks
Talking Sticks are decorated with paint, carvings and occasionally wrapped in buckskin or other leather materials. The ornamentation, colors and painted decorations on talking sticks had special meanings, as did the wood they were made from and any fur or feathers that were used. The symbolism associated with the fur, skins, feathers or symbols of animals used in the decoration of talking sticks were also highly significant due to the belief that they brought the attributes, characteristics and medicine of the creatures to the event.

Talking Sticks Symbolism - Colors
The symbolism associated with the colors used to paint and decorate Talking Sticks was fundamental to the success of the event bring specific medicine to the proceedings. The colors were carefully chosen and the following chart provides details of the symbolism of the colors used to decorate and paint talking sticks.
 

Talking Sticks Symbolism - Meanings of Colors

BlueIntuition, Prayer, Wisdom
BlackClarity, focus, success and victory
RedLife, Faith and Happiness
WhiteSharing, Purity, Spirit and Light
YellowKnowledge and courage
OrangeKinship, Intellect and Determination
GreenNature, Harmony and Healing
PurplePower, mystery and magic

Talking Sticks Symbolism - Meanings of Colors

Talking Sticks Symbolism - Animals
The symbolism associated with the skins, strands of hair or fur and the feathers used to embellish Talking Sticks were also significant. The animals were carefully chosen reflect as they are believed to represent the physical form of a spirit helper and guide. The following chart provides details of the symbolism of some of the animals used to adorn talking sticks and the characteristics and attributes it might give to the event.

  Bird Symbol

Turtle Symbol

Talking Sticks Symbolism - Meanings of Animals

BearCourage, physical strength and leadership
BeaverDetermination and strong-will
BuffaloStrength, abundance and gratitude
DeerGentleness, grace and survival
FoxAnticipation, observation and stealth
HorseMobility, stamina, strength and power
RaccoonCuriosity, adaptability and resourcefulness
PorcupineInnocence, companionship, and trust
Prairie DogSwiftness and preparedness
SquirrelPlanning and home life
WolfDirection and leadership

Talking Sticks Symbolism - Meanings of Animals

Talking Sticks Symbolism - Feathers
The type of feathers attached to Talking Sticks also hold significance and symbolism. An Eagle Feather represents truth and high ideals, the turkey feather is used to bring peaceful attitudes especially in disputes. The owl feather is deemed to be powerful and prevents deception from entering the Sacred Space of the Council.

Smudge Feather

Talking Sticks Symbolism - Types of Trees and wood
The symbolism associated with the types of wood used to make Talking Sticks was also important. The wood was carefully chosen for its qualities, attributes, strength and spirituality and taken from a tree that had special meaning to the person. Permission was sought from the tree spirit to make the talking stick. The following chart provides details of the symbolism of the trees used to make talking sticks.

Talking Sticks Symbolism - Types of Trees & Wood

BirchTruth, new beginnings and cleansing of the past
CedarCleansing, protection, prosperity & healing
WillowWisdom, an open mind, strength of age and experience.
WalnutClarity and focus, beginning new projects
OakStrength of character and courage
CherryStrong expression, rebirth, new awakenings and compassion
PineCreativity, peace and harmony
AshPeace of mind, sacrifice, sensitivity and higher awareness
MapleThe tree of offering, generosity, balance and practicality
ArbutusKnowledge
White PineSerenity
SycamoreAmbition
AspenClarity of purpose, determination and overcoming doubts
ElmWisdom, strength of will and intuition
BeechTolerance, past knowledge and softens criticism

Talking Sticks Symbolism - Types of Trees & Wood

 

Talking Sticks
There were rules and codes of conduct which surrounded the use of Talking Sticks which made them incredibly useful. Talking sticks provided the way to hold an orderly, just and impartial meeting - even with enemies. Talking sticks were commonly used in council circles to designate who had the right to speak. When matters of great concern came before the council, the leading elder would hold the talking stick and begin the discussion. The rules and protocol followed when using Talking Sticks are as follows:

  • The elder speaks first
  • No-one is allowed to interrupt and everyone must listen to what is being said
  • When the elder has finished speaking the Talking Stick is handed to the next person in the circle
  • If the receiver chooses not to speak the Talking Stick is passed to the next person in the circle
  • The stick is passed from one individual to another until all who wished to speak had done so
  • The talking stick is then passed back to the leading elder for safe keeping

The use of talking sticks allows everyone to express their sacred point of view.

Talking Sticks - Blackfoot Indian

Talking Sticks - Blackfoot Indian

 

Native American Culture - Talking Sticks

  • Talking Sticks - Native American celebrations and customs
  • Culture and History of Native Indians
  • Interesting facts and info about Talking Sticks for kids and schools
  • Information about Talking Sticks
  • Native American Culture and beliefs for kids
  • Talking Sticks Symbolism, Ceremony and Ritual

Talking Sticks - Pictures and Videos of Native Americans
Spirit Stick. Discover the vast selection of pictures which relate to the History and Culture of Native Americans. The pictures show the clothing, War Paint, weapons and decorations of various Native Indian tribes that can be used as a really useful educational history resource for kids and children of all ages. We have included pictures and videos to accompany the main topic of this section - the Spirit or Talking Sticks. The videos enable fast access to the images, paintings and pictures together with information and many historical facts. All of the articles and pages can be accessed via the Native Indian Tribes Index - a great educational resource for kids.

 

Talking Sticks - Ceremony - Custom - Reasons - Tradition - Teaching resource - Talking Sticks - Teachers - Spirit Stick - Kids - Native American Culture - Indian - Religion - Culture - Beliefs - Ceremony - Talking Sticks - Dances - Festivals - Ritual - Talking Sticks - Ceremony - Custom - Reasons - Tradition - Teaching resource - Teachers - Sticks - Kids - Talking SticksNative American Culture - Indian - Religion - Sticks - Culture - Beliefs - Ceremony - Dances - Festivals - Sticks - Ritual - Talking Sticks - Written By Linda Alchin

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