Post #383118 by Tamapoutini on Wed, May 28, 2008 5:44 PM

On 2008-05-28 11:28, timidtiki wrote:

Does anyone have any insight on the "talking stick" tradition among the Maori?

Gee, youve exposed me here. Ive not spent a great deal of time on the Marae but can tell you that the carved walking cane often seen in the hand of older gents while speaking is known as a Tokotoko, but these are personal and generally not passed around (and usually as funtional as they are 'authoritive'). Used to good effect too - its easy to understand how they help with speaking when witnessed as the stick seems to amplify or add emphisis to the speakers words when florished. It can point, it can bang the floor, it can be intimidating, it can be referred to as the People itself.
I have heard of proper talking-sticks/'Rakau-Korero' that are passed around in the same way as the native American examples but cant say Ive ever seen one & am not sure in what context/situation they were used in Maori life.
The carved images adorning the rakau also help 'ground' the speaker to his roots, constantly reminding him of/for whom he speaks.. serious wood!

Hope ths helps

--

Yours has a happy expression. A Peace-Talking stick..? We could use a few more of those in the world..

Peace