amsd_01888

Title: A message stick listed on ebay

Description: Seller dingoblood: "This old hardwood message stick comes from the Eastern Kimberley's of Western Australia where it was collected in the 1960's. It has a broadly adzed surface which has been decorated in red white and black ochres. Sticks like these would have had ritual function and also carried during travel to ensure a safe passage of travel. It was previously held in a private museum and measures 44cm in length."

Item type: message stick from a private sale

State/Territory: WA

Notes: 10.06.2025 PK: Wrote to seller: "Do you have any additional details about the site of collection, the name of the private museum from which it came, or any documentation?" Seller replied on same day: "Hi Thanks for the message, The museum was located outside of Hervey Bay in South-East Qld. It came with the attached label that simply read Tjuringa. I have just spoken with the original collector and he informed he referred to the board as Jumba and told me it came from the Wyndham area and he collected it in the years between 1963-67. Unfortunately I can not provide his details as he is quite a private person and wants his details not to be known. Hope this is of some help. Thanks Jonathan"

Media Files:

Data Entry: Piers Kelly