Walking sticks help people around the world negotiate the ups and downs of living in a three-dimensional world. But sticks have also been used by many cultures for purposes other than orthopedic aids. Northwest Coast First Nations also used elaborately decorated ceremonial staffs in public events as a symbol of the office and status of the chief. This article includes a brief survey of some of the interesting canes and staffs in the Ethnology collection at the Royal BC Museum.

Photograph: Men with Seymour presentation cane staff at New Westminster or Mission, BC, 1860s.   FREDERICK DALLY, BC Archives B-03803

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