These remarkable Message Sticks were made by Aunty Shirley Richardson, a proud Wadawurrung Elder. Message sticks are a sophisticated form of long–distance communication between First Nations clans and language groups. Traditional message sticks are crafted from wood to be small and portable. They are carved, incised and painted with symbols and decorative designs conveying messages and information. The motifs imprinted on each stick could communicate invitations or news of marriage, war, death and peace between groups. Using the burnt engraving method and wood sourced from the Geelong region, Aunty Shirley intricately inscribed these message sticks with motifs of moths and the Tarratarra design, meaning ‘many wings’ in Wadawurrung Language. Inspired by the River Red Ghost Moth, a local insect that emerges on mass for just a few days after heavy rains in late summer and autumn, Tarratarra is the name of this stadium.Three burnt engraved wooden message sticks mounted in white frame. Engraved with motifs of moths and First Nations symbols. Tied plant fibres with beads and feathers attached to back of frame.On work - Tarratarra On back - Message Sticks Created by Aunsty Shirley Richardson Wadawurrung Elderwadawurrung, message sticks, tarratarra, geelong