Wominjeka to Our Story
Message stick
The Wominjeka ceremony on the screen welcomes you. The ceremony is thousands of generations old, and continues today.
Your journey through the exhibition will be guided by a messenger, connecting you with our knowledge, stories and culture. The messenger carries a message stick. Message sticks have been used by our people for thousands of generations to communicate between clan groups and to bring people together for ceremonies, trade and diplomacy.
Carrying the message stick, a messenger would have passage through other people’s lands. Intricate markings could also communicate messages.
The messenger on the screen is Jamie Thomas.
Our Story message stick
This message stick invites you on a journey through the First Peoples exhibition.
It was designed by Wurundjeri Elder Diane Kerr and Boonwurrung Elder Carolyn Briggs, and carved from red gum by John Patten. It represents Birrarung Marr (Yarra River) and the manna gum leaf used in ceremony by the Kulin people.
