Title: A message stick from Carnarvon, Western Australia, in Museums Victoria
Description: Message stick, Carnarvon, Northwest (Western Australia), Western Australia, Australia, Registered Anderson, Irene Victoria:Donor (Donation, Sep 1983). Carnarvon Western Australia
Date Created: 1983
Notes on date created: terminus ante quem
Item type: message stick in a collection
Institution/Holder file: Museums Victoria object identifier: X 85308; X 085308
Media copyright: Museums Victoria
Notes: MusV data: "X 085308, Message stick, Carnarvon, Northwest (Western Australia), Western Australia, Australia, Registered Anderson, Irene Victoria:Donor (Donation, Sep 1983) Carnarvon Western Australia " 21.11.24 PK: Not on microfiche. Physical register checked "Message stick. Wooden, stick-like with slightly tapering, rounded ends, light brown with black patterns lightly etched on 24cm long x 5 1/2 cm in diameter. Around the stick is wrapped a small cutting from a newspaper which reads " - that although Aborigines have no written language, they are able to send messages by means of message sticks? These take the form of patterns of lines and dots on a round or flat piece of wood a few inches long. This is not a written message, but a symbol that acts as a reminder, or as a pass to show that the messenger carrying it is genuine." Cutting came with the donation. Locality: Carnarvon, W. Aust. How obtained: Irene Victoria Anderson. 21 Langdon R, North Caulfield, Vic. Belonged to donor's paternal uncle who gave to donor's mother"
Data Entry: Piers Kelly