Anthony J. Walker

Message Sticks / Memory Sticks

Australia consists of many distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups, each with their own culture, language, customs, and Country. 

Traditionally, when traveling from one Country to another with a message to share, individuals might carry message sticks, also known as memory sticks.

These sticks served many functions. The engraved patterns and symbols on the sticks helped the messenger recall the details they were going to relay verbally. Additionally, these symbols served as visual aids, facilitating communication across different languages. The sticks provided assurance to the recipient that the message was genuine. Moreover, they offered protection to the messenger when traveling through neighbouring Country or even further afield. Sometimes, the sticks would be adorned with feathers, which could be removed and gifted to the message recipient and later worn during ceremony.

Anthony J. Walker incorporates designs from Central Queensland message sticks into his landscape paintings. For Walker, as a Yiman, Ghungalu, Gooreng Gooreng man living on Arakwal Country, the patterns represent sharing, respect, collaboration, communication, travelling, and protection when a guest on another's Country.

In turn, when carving their contemporary message sticks, Walker draws inspiration from the shape, form, and lines found in the landscape. These elements serve as a source of creative stimulus for their carved pattern work. Each message stick corresponds with a particular painting, establishing a cohesive link between the two artworks.

Please note: Anthony Walker is licensed by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) to use native animal feathers under licence MWL000103757.