| By :
Craig Chambers
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. The craftsmanship of the pipe has been given much importance, maybe even more than the tobacco itself. There are a variety of pipes made with their own specific features. The Pipestone is one of the most common types of pipes. It is also known 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. 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. In the post-Columbian America, the tomahawk pipe was made. Also very popular in Native America is the Elbow Pipe. Effigy pipes are also famous. They are hand carved images of animals like the eagle. 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. The Native Indian made pipes are also a great artifact. A fun hobby for pipe lovers is to discover the unique variety of well crafted and rustic Indian pipes.
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