Tally stick

Tally Stick

A tally stick is an ancient memory aid device used to record and document numbers, quantities, or even messages. Tally sticks have been used for thousands of years and were a common form of record-keeping in various cultures around the world. They are typically made from wood, bone, or other materials and are marked with notches or other symbols to represent numerical values.

History

Tally sticks have a long history, dating back to the Upper Paleolithic period. The earliest known tally sticks are the Ishango bone and the Lebombo bone, which are believed to be over 20,000 years old. These artifacts suggest that early humans used tally sticks for counting and possibly for lunar or menstrual calendars.

In medieval Europe, tally sticks were widely used for accounting and tax purposes. The English Exchequer, for example, used tally sticks to record tax payments until the 19th century. The sticks were split into two parts: one half was kept by the payer, and the other by the payee, ensuring that both parties had a record of the transaction.

Types of Tally Sticks

There are several types of tally sticks, each serving different purposes:

• Single tally: A single stick marked with notches to represent numbers. This type was often used for simple counting or record-keeping.
• Split tally: A stick that is split into two matching halves, each bearing the same notches. This was commonly used in financial transactions to ensure both parties had a record.
• Notched tally: A stick with notches cut into it to represent units, tens, hundreds, etc. This type was used for more complex calculations.

Usage

Tally sticks were used in various ways depending on the culture and the purpose:

• Accounting: In medieval Europe, tally sticks were used to record debts and payments. The notches represented the amount owed or paid.
• Calendars: Some tally sticks were used to track time, such as lunar cycles or agricultural seasons.
• Communication: In some cultures, tally sticks were used to convey messages or agreements, with the notches representing specific terms or conditions.

Decline and Legacy

The use of tally sticks declined with the advent of more sophisticated accounting methods and the development of writing systems. However, they remain an important part of historical studies, providing insight into early human numeracy and record-keeping practices.

In 1834, the burning of tally sticks in the English Exchequer led to a fire that destroyed the Houses of Parliament, marking the end of their official use in England.

Also see

• Ishango bone
• Lebombo bone
• Quipu
• Abacus
• History of accounting