During the war of Troy (around 1200BCE), Achilles talks of a gold studded wand which allowed uninterrupted speech. Another mention of a wand for this purpose, comes from the ancient Greeks. Neanderthal paintings exist in France, depicting objects called “batons” which could have been used in talking stick ceremonies. Aboriginal and Maoist peoples have also used talking sticks. Rainbow Gatherings across the world, with their roots in counterculture, environmentalism, non-consumerism and peace are known for using the talking stick. At Glastonbury festival in the healing field, the pow wow stick (talking stick) is used.
Native Americans cultures saw the talking stick as a “medicine tool”, to be passed around the circle (Medicine Wheel). The circle has significance as it is not a hierarchical structure, as there is no beginning or end to it and it is associated with cycles in nature.
Talking Sticks: Communities of Practice 