subject: Native American Pipes Throughout History [print this page] As a social tradition, smoking using a Native American pipe was an activity that took place even before Columbus came to the New World. The use of the pipe denoted various meanings in social settings as well as rituals. These unique handmade pipes have become well known throughout Native American history.
Even before Christopher Columbus stepped foot in the New World, tobacco followed the Indian trade routes all throughout the continent. Pipe smoking and Native American pipes have long been part of the important rituals and ceremonies of many tribes. The craftsmanship of the pipe has been given much importance, maybe even more than the tobacco itself. There are many different pipes made with individual features.
The Pipestone is one of the most common types of pipes. Many know it as the Calumet. Various rituals and ceremonies used this type of pipe for centuries. The Sioux tribe and other Plains Indian tribes used the popular peace pipe. A wooden stem is attached to a carved calamite or pipestone for a Calumet Pipe to be made. Because of trading with other tribes, this indigenous product became available all throughout the country.
A smaller pipe from the Iroquois as well as Cherokee tribes was another variety. The use of antlers as pipes by Southwest Indians was also popular. The tomahawk pipe was made in the post-Columbian America. Also very popular in Native America is the Elbow Pipe.
Effigy pipes are also famous. Eagles are some of the more popular carved animals. The variety and craftsmanship of these pipes vary from tribe to tribe, but they all have one common factor. Native Americans have always paid close attention to the craftsmanship and details. They created beautiful things from nature and all of these pipes are symbolic and hold great importance.
Native American pipes can be used for ceremonies where people would pass around the pipe in a clockwise direction. In more social events, when the host lights up the pipe, it would mean that it is time for the guests to head home. These subtle and unique things make the use of the Native American pipe very insightful. These pipes made by Native Americans make wonderful artifacts. A fun hobby for pipe lovers is to discover the unique variety of well crafted and rustic Indian pipes.
by: Craig Chambers
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