BERNDT1941_0098

Title: A message stick from Ooldea held in the Berndt Museum

Description: From catalogue description: "(P. 382) An Aboriginal message stick does not consist of writing, as a set of agreed-upon symbols which can be interpreted by itself, but in most cases is sent with a messenger who explains its meaning. The design or marks on the stick, usually a small flat slab of wood, on a cylinder tapering at both ends, may help to identify the messenger and so validate his communications. Message sticks from Arnhem Land have vertical, horizontal and diagonal lines, diamond patterns and so on; with human figures; like those from western Arnhem Land, most refer specifically to economic transactions, and are accompanied by verbal messages. Ceremonial message sticks, in contrast, are distinctively shaped, bearing sacred designs, or take the form of raugga emblems, sometimes hung with feathered pendants, and sometimes made of ward beeswax. Mostly they refer to approaching rituals, or to ceremonial trade relations. The item is not mentioned in the Ooldea Report." "bumerau, message stick. Thin stick with tapered pointed ends and four facetted sides, and rows of slotted grooves along three of the four sides. Made from a brown wood. (No dimensions given on card.)"

Item type: message stick in a private collection

Subtype: unknown

State/Territory: SA

Linguistic area 1: Chirila: Mirniny Austlang: A9 - Mirning

Notes on linguistic areas: The origin of the message stick is Ooldea

Term for 'message stick' (or related) in language: pumarawu ("bumerau")

Institution/Holder file: Berndt Museum object identifier: 1941/0098

Collector: Berndt, RM & CH

Place collected: Ooldea

Coordinates: 30°27'32.900400"S,131°50'8.210400"E  (-30.459139, 131.835614)

Media copyright: Berndt Museum

Notes on coordinates: Absolute coordinates for Ooldea mission station

Data Entry: Piers Kelly