Talking Stick

The talking stick is a ceremonial tool that was traditionally used by some Native American tribes during council meetings. Passing the talking stick from speaker to speaker was a respectful way for individual members of the tribe to communicate and share opinions without interruption. This tradition was especially helpful in keeping disagreements from getting out of hand, allowing each speaker a turn at sharing his views without cheers, applause, or jeers from the opposition emitting from the group. Similarly, some tribes used a "talking feather" a "talking shell" or some other object rather than a decorative stick.

_{Getty Images}

Learn more about Native American healing traditions