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Talking Stick

MOA: University of British Columbia

3439/4 a-b

Long carved stick that is composed of two sections that screw together. The lower half (part a) has a long plain section with a flat base. There are two areas carved with vertical decorations flanking a single ring, and one area where it tapers away in either direction from a ring. The upper half (part b) is carved with sections of four stacked rings, spiral as well as three sections where it tapers away in either direction from a ring.

  • Narrative

    Dr. Frits Bossen was 28 years old when he was posted to Samoa, in 1973, as a veterinarian on a training assignment with the FAO/UNDP. While there he also traveled to other islands in the area. In the early 1980s he traveled through the South Pacific again.

  • Type of Item talking stick
  • Culture Samoan
  • Material wood, metal
  • Measurements height 78.8 cm, diameter 4.5 cm (part b) height 106.5 cm, diameter 4.2 cm (part a)
  • Previous Owner Frits Bossen
  • Received from Frits Bossen
  • Made in Samoa
  • Collection Date between 1973 and 1975
  • Ownership Date before August 19, 2020
  • Acquisition Date on August 19, 2020
  • Condition good
  • Accession Number 3439/0004 a-b

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