Special Objects

In many Aboriginal cultures, objects have an important spiritual or symbolic value. Here are a few examples:

• The mask, which represents supernatural creatures. Masks were used during rituals or ceremonies where the power of a spirit needed to be evoked, for example, for healing.
• The talking stick, which gives the person holding it the right to speak without being interrupted, therefore requiring others to listen attentively.
• The rattle, which like the drum, was used to make music during certain ceremonies.

The pipe, for smoking tobacco, which was used at ceremonies, healings, or to seal an agreement or friendship.