Aboriginal message sticks are a fascinating insight into a complex system of written communication

January 15, 2025

by Athena Lee, The Conversation



Message sticks held in the Australian Museum. Credit: GordonMakryllos/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA


When we think of writing systems we likely think of an Alphabetic writing system, where each symbol (letter) in the alphabet represents a basic sound unit, such as a consonant or a vowel.

Those who first came to the shores of Australia during colonization likely held a similar idea of written language. As such, Aboriginal peoples were quickly dismissed as lacking a written language. But this view is wrong.

Aboriginal message sticks, traditional tools of communication, offer a glimpse into a sophisticated and unique form of communication.

A written and oral language
Aboriginal message sticks are hand-carved wooden objects traditionally used to send messages across long distances. While there is evidence of widespread use of message sticks across Australia, the current database is still mapping the different regions in which they are used and their messages deciphered.

Message sticks often feature engravings or painted symbols, lines, dots and shapes carefully crafted to convey specific meanings.

More:
https://phys.org/news/2025-01-aboriginal-message-fascinating-insight-complex.html