Talking Sticks
The talking stick is a simple tool, with roots in many indigenous cultures, that is now being used in a number of modern settings, including the family and the board room. Essentially, an object that clarifies who is the speaker and who are the listeners, it has been describe by Stephen Covey as “the most powerful communication tool he has ever seen.”
Goals and Benefits
Helps you find your authentic voice and
Express your truth with honesty and clarity
Promotes mutual respect and equality
Negative energy dissipates and new positive ideas emerge
Improves listening in which we actively seek to understand the other
Honors multiple truths by allowing you to disagree, yet both be right
Everyone has a turn to be heard and understood
Provides structural balance in our important conversations
Allows venting and release of emotional energy
Uses
In addition to using the talking stick being a great way to ensure everyone is heard when discussing an important topic it can be used to resolve conflicts, to brainstorm business solutions, to provide emotional support and comfort at times of loss and grief.
Instructions
1. The person holding the talking stick speaks without interruption.
2. Listeners demonstrate understanding by asking clarifying questions and restating.
3. Listeners may not make their points, argue or disagree.
4. Once you are satisfied that you have been heard and understood, pass the talking stick to the next person.
5. You can pass if you don't want to speak.
Zulu BEADED TALking Stick
The Zulu Beaded Talking Sticks are modelled on the shape of a modern microphone and made from Kiat wood which is turned on lathes to ensure consistency as to length and the tapering of the stem.
The exceptional quality bead work is performed by a team of Zulu women in the Valley of a Thousand Hills who partner with Africa Smiles, an organization whose vision is to create beautiful, innovate handmade products while supporting a sustainable income for their crafters and their families.
Each talking stick comes with a handy protective pouch and a set of instructions to provide guidance on how to use them. Ideally no one gets to make their point until they can restate to the other person’s satisfaction, their point of view.
Giraffe NVC Talking Stick
These Giraffe Talking Sticks are made in Malawi from beautiful Ebony wood.
Each talking stick is unique, measuring between 7 and 8 inches in length, however, they all have a giraffe on the top, to symbolize the mascot of Non Violent Communication!
Each talking stick comes with a handy protective pouch and a set of instructions to provide guidance on how to use them. These talking sticks are especially suited to support you to have a delicate conversation with someone important to you.
From the book Talking Stick: Peacemaking as a Spiritual Path By Stephan V. Beyer:
“The rule of the talking stick is simple: Whoever holds the stick gets to speak, and everyone else listens. The stick is passed around the circle, and each person holds it in turn.
My practice has always been to pass the stick around the circle clockwise. I do that because that is the direction the sun travels from rising to setting, at least in the northern hemisphere, and that is the way I was taught. Other people may pass the stick in a counterclockwise direction, or sometimes one way and sometimes the other. As with many things, there is no one way to do it.
The rule of the talking stick is simple, but that does not mean it is easy. In fact, the rule is quite difficult to follow, because we have been systematically taught in our culture not to listen to each other.
The talking stick can be anything-a stick, a rock, a statue, a feather, a ballpoint pen, a fork picked off the table. Some people use the term talking piece instead of talking stick to reflect the fact that what is passed around the circle does not need to be a stick at all. the stick can be specially made and decorated, an object which is personal or sacred or symbolic, simple or elaborate, or it can be expedient-a rock picked up on the spur of the moment, a coffee cup, a key ring.
The purpose is to create a safe space in which people can simply talk honestly and sincerely with one another. The talking stick is a way of creating some safety; a participant can speak without being interrupted or argued with. Indeed, the talking stick can supply courage to the shy and steadiness to the flighty; it symbolizes the responsibility of speech, the courage of the true speaker, the importance of truth.
The talking stick is miraculous. As a practical matter, the stick creates order. People cannot interrupt over each other. People have to wait their turn, not matter how strongly they feel about what was just said. The talking stick empowers the shy and deferential to speak and keeps the loud and overbearing from dominating the discussion.
The fact that people must wait for the stick to travel around the circle means that they cannot react immediately to something they disagree with. Instead they must first listen to what other people have to say, which often frames the statement in new and enlightening ways. The stick discourages personal confrontation and encourages group process.”
Stephan V. Beyer, Ph.D., J. D., is a community builder, peacemaker and carrier of council. He has been trained and certified in many areas of circle processes, mediation, and nonviolence and has served as a lecturer in restorative justice and in the theory and practice of nonviolent resistance as Chicago State University. He lives in Chicago.
Information about Zulu Beadwork
Zulu beadwork is a traditional craft of the Zulu people, an ethnic group that is native to South Africa. This skill that has been passed down from generation to generation and is an important part of Zulu culture. Zulu beadwork is known for its intricate patterns and vibrant colors and historically was used as a means of conveying feelings and messages.
In Zulu culture, beadwork has both functional and symbolic purposes. Historically, beads were used to create items such as clothing, jewelry, and containers for carrying goods. Beadwork was also used to indicate a person's status, with certain colors and patterns being reserved for specific ranks within the community. Today, Zulu beadwork is still an important part of Zulu culture, and it is often used to create decorative items such as beaded jewelry, belts, and headbands. It is often used in clothing and accessories for social events such as engagements and weddings. Zulu beadwork is also sold as souvenirs to tourists and to those looking for beautiful contemporary jewelry and home décor.
The glass beads were originally brought to Southern Africa by European traders who used them to barter for goods. Nowadays they are imported to support the local South African beadwork industry. The beadwork is generally done by Zulu woman who work from their homes which enables them to combine their craft work with their normal routines eg looking after children, cooking, tending crops and other daily chores. Groups of Zulu woman gather and produce beadwork in a social and creative environment. The beadwork helps to support local communities as well as provides a creative outlet.
Zulu beadwork is known for its use of bright colors, with red, blue, yellow, orange and green being among the most common. The patterns used in Zulu beadwork are often geometric, and they may be arranged in repeating patterns or more complex designs. Over time, Zulu beadwork has evolved to incorporate contemporary design and colours in order to supply its new markets.
Overall, Zulu beadwork is a beautiful and intricate art form that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Zulu people. It is a testament to the skill and creativity of Zulu artisans, and it continues to be an important part of Zulu culture today.
Information Provided by Africa Smiles