Item X 37625 dharrpa minytjimirri | Message stick. Milingimbi, Eastern Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia. pre 1930

Summary

This small wooden message stick is incised with linear markings. One face is marked with zig zag, straight and crossed lines while the opposite face has a diamond pattern. The name recorded for the message or letter stick, as it is often called, is dharrpa minytjimirri, which literally means marks on wood.

Local Name

dharrpa minytjimirri

Physical Description

A rectangular elliptical shaped section of wood incised with geometric patterns on both sides. One end is carved to in a handle like form with a hole is drilled through.