Monthly Archives: May 2014

Talking Stick

The talking stick, also called a speaker's staff, is an instrument of aboriginal democracy used by Taino tribes. The talking stick may be passed around a group or used only by leaders as a symbol of their authority and right to speak in public.

In a council circle, a talking stick is passed around from member to member allowing only the person holding the stick to speak. This enables all those present at a council meeting to be heard, especially those who may be shy; consensus can force the stick to move along to assure that the "long winded" don't dominate the discussion; and the person holding the stick may allow others to interject. Talking sticks have high ceremonial and spiritual value, and have proved to be exceedingly useful during current implementations.
 

Carved Skull

The carved skull is extremely rare artifact. This skull has been found in Haiti. Taíno symbols are carved on the skull. The symbol of the frog is carved on the skull of this young girl.

This frog is Taíno common symbol meaning the female sex. The particularity of this frog on this skull is that it has a very large tail going almost all around the skull.
 

On the Beach

Overview of some Taíno's artifacts from Kathy's private collection. Jean-Claude manipulates a very rare carved skull, two wooded pipes and a talking stick. This video has been recorded on the beautiful beach of North Haiti.