Pipe Stem
CultureWestern Great Lakes
Dateca. 1800
MediumCarved and incised wood
DimensionsOverall: 1 1/4 × 27 3/4 inches (3.18 × 70.49 cm)
Credit LineGift of Ned Jalbert and Keith Ravaioli
Object number2004.37.2
On View
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DescriptionCarved wooden stem of cylindrical cross section, with two rectangular and two cylindrical elements interspersed along the length; circular forms in center are notched at edges and incised with images of thunderbirds.Gallery LabelIndians throughout much of North America used tobacco as a sacrament. In the center section of this early wooden pipe stem are two cylindrical shapes representing ceremonial birch bark scrolls. Incised or carved on the scrolls are images of thunderbirds, important guardian spirits.
Pipe bowls and stems created by men are among the most significant sculptural works from the Woodlands, Prairie and Plains regions where pipe ceremonialism was highly developed.
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