amsd_00962

Title: A message stick for sale on eBay

Date Created: 1960

Notes on date created: Terminus ante quem. It was collected at this time; 1960s

Item type: message stick from a private sale

Collector: Dorothy Meehan

Place collected: Broome, Western Australia

Notes: Advertised on ebay on 12 February 2018 by seller oldtimemilkman with item number 253423080108. The description: "OLD ANTIQUE ABORIGINAL MESSAGE STICK Broome WA Old Aboriginal Message Stick. Originates from Broome W.A. Red ochre on the length. Diamond like carved patterns all over. It measures approximately 31.5cm long x 4.5cm diameter. Part of an old collection that's no longer wanted acquired throughout early 20th Century." Piers Kelly contacted the seller to ask about provenance. Reply on 13 February 2018: "Hello My parents lived for a year or so in Broome in the 60's and it was acquired then. It was in a cabinet with other items that were obviously from Broome ie. carved shells. I hope that helps. Sincerely John" In a follow-up message 20 February 2018: "Hello Thank you for purchasing this item. Nice to read what your plans are for it. It was collected by my mother Dorothy Meehan, I'm unsure of the exact date but she was there with my father trying to establish a dairy. My mother was the primary collector as was my great grand father before her. I hope that helps some. Sincerely John"

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Data Entry: Piers Kelly