OBJECTS OF VOICE
Objects of Voice: Conch, Talking Stick, and Gavel
How different cultures and traditions created symbolic objects to structure communication and authority.
The Conch
In Lord of the Flies, the conch shell becomes a metaphor for order and democratic voice. Whoever holds it has the right to speak, ensuring fairness and respect. Its destruction marks the collapse of communication and social order, making it a timeless symbol of how fragile collective dialogue can be.
The Talking Stick
In many Indigenous traditions, the talking stick is passed around during council meetings. Only the person holding it may speak, while others listen. This practice embodies respect, patience, and equality, ensuring that every voice is heard without interruption. Like the conch, it symbolizes structured communication and collective harmony.
The Gavel
In parliamentary and judicial settings, the gavel represents authority and finality. A strike of the gavel calls for attention, signals decisions, or ends debate. Unlike the conch or talking stick, which emphasize shared voice, the gavel underscores the power of leadership and the enforcement of order.
"Across cultures, objects like the conch, talking stick, and gavel remind us that communication is not only about speaking — it is about structure, respect, and the balance of voices."