This deer jaw talking stick is decorated with horse hair, rabbit fur, and imitation eagle feathers. The handle is wrapped in authentic buckskin and has a section of glass seed beadwork.

In the old days when a council was held, whoever held the talking stick had the floor, and everyone else was forbidden to speak until the talker passed the stick, signaling he was finished with what he had to say. This prevented interuptions in his train of thought, or heated discussion and angry outbursts before all viewpoints of those present had been discussed.

It was customary for the next speaker to receive the talking stick to first pause and collect his thoughts about what he wanted to convey, before taking his turn talking while holding the talking stick.

Talking sticks are still a valuable tool today for teachers and marriage councilors to help teach their pupils and couples to learn to listen before speaking.

The pictures shown are representative. Beadwork and fur colors may vary on the one you receive. Click on the small picture to see several variations of this talking stick.

This talking stick is approximately 18″ (45.72cm) long x 12″ (30.48cm) high, including the height of the feather streamers.