Skip Navigation

Bundle of 20 Visiting Sticks

Arts of the Americas

CULTURE Osage
MEDIUM Wood, pigment, hide, membrane
DATES late 19th–early 20th century
DIMENSIONS 9 1/2 x 1 1/2 in. (24.1 x 3.8 cm)
COLLECTIONS Arts of the Americas
ACCESSION NUMBER 11.694.8994
CREDIT LINE Museum Expedition 1911, Museum Collection Fund
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION These messenger sticks are wood sticks tied with hide and a piece of membrane [possibly snake skin]. See also 11.694.9025 for visiting tobacco. Such sticks were sent by a messenger when a traveler was within a day's journey of his destination. His hosts were expected to give a small token in return.
MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
RECORD COMPLETENESS
Not every record you will find here is complete. More information is available for some works than for others, and some entries have been updated more recently. Records are frequently reviewed and revised, and we welcome any additional information you might have.