The talking stick is used as a means for just and impartial hearing, primarily used in council circles to designate who had the right to speak (whoever holds the stick speaks and all others listen). When the stick is passed on to the next person, that person must repeat the essence of what the previous speaker said before his turn. The stick carries with it the respect for free speech and the practice of true conversation. The words that are spoken should come from the heart and be soft and warm (rabbit fur) and courageous and wise (eagle feather). The beads are reminders that the Great Spirit hears the message of the heart as well as the spoken word. Certificate of Authenticity included.