Native American Pipes
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. Part of the important rituals and ceremonies of many tribes is pipe smoking. Maybe even more than the tobacco itself, the craftsmanship of the pipe has been given much importance. There are many different pipes made with individual features.
One of the more common types of pipes is the Pipestone. Many know it as the Calumet. This type of pipe has been used for centuries for various rituals and ceremonies. These Native American pipes are also known as peace pipes and are used by the Sioux tribe and other Plains Indian tribes. For Calumets to be made, a wooden stem is attached to a carved calamite or much more known as pipestone. Because of trading with other tribes, this indigenous product became available all throughout the country.
Another variety of pipe was a smaller pipe from the Iroquois as well as Cherokee tribes. Southwest Indians also used antlers as pipes. 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. Although the variety and craftsmanship is different, these pipes have a unique common factor. Native Americans have always paid close attention to the craftsmanship and details. These pipes are symbolic and hold great importance and are created beautifully from objects from nature.
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. The great diversity of Indian pipes makes it a great hobby for pipe lovers to look for something rustic, unique and well crafted.
