Art Gallery: Calumet Pipe

The Calumet Pipe to the left is purely a ritual piece. I don't smoke tobacco in it. The hours logged in making this item was around twenty-five. I chose to use the colors that represent the four elements.  It is  around three feet long.

Red/Fire Yellow/Air Blue/Water Black/Earth

The red, yellow, blue and black. is made up of a three strand rope that I weaved. This was what I used to seal up any leaks around the shaft and bowl, they are glued down to the surface of the pipe.

There is wood glue holding the two half's of the main section. Which is how I hallowed out the piece. first splitting it down its center. then removing the inside.

The white is some donated rabbit fur. The brown around the base of the bowl is donated Mink. I would have never gone out to purchase these items.

I have heard many times that Native Americans use to smoke Cannabis in Calumets. I myself do not believe that this was done. It is a Chinese Herb in origin. Just like Alcohol, it came to the "new world" with the white man.

Tobacco was used because it is indigenous to North America. The version of the pipe most common to those outside the tribes. Is the Sioux or plains Indians. The Pipestone often used in the manufacturing of these items. Is black Pipestone common to the Minnesota regions. Trade was common across the states. So many tribes had access to this product.

Calumet Pipes were common during religious and spiritual rituals. They were also used during peace talks with other tribes. I suspect this is where the saying "peace pipe" came from.

I strongly encourage anyone with more knowledge to comment on this thread. I must admit I see through a dark glass. I was not raised on a reservation or with Native American traditions. So I only know of the things I have heard or read.