Here we have a Vintage Apache Deer Antler Talking Stick decorated with buffalo fur, barred turkey feathers,brass shell casing, leather and brass tacks. The handle is wrapped in leather. It is in very good condition and it measures approximately 27 inches long x 23 wide, it would come out from the wall approximately 11 inches. It is signed John Magoosh from San Carlos reservation.
In the old days when a council was held, who ever held the talking stick had the floor, and everyone else was for bidden 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 out bursts before all viewpoints of those present had been presented.
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 to learn to listen before spea