Calumet Stem
CultureDakota (Eastern Sioux), Minnesota, North Dakota, or South Dakota
Dateca. 1780-1820
MediumWood, natural and dyed porcupine quills, native tanned leather, animal hair, sinew, and bird scalp
DimensionsOverall: 35 3/4 × 1 1/2 inches (90.81 × 3.81 cm)
Credit LineGift of Ned Jalbert
Object number2008.71.2
On View
On viewGallery Location
- 208
Collections
DescriptionLong, flat, wooden stem with woven porcupine quillwork formnig design with 2 human figures and geometric elements midway; from either end is suspended quill wrapped fringes.Gallery LabelPipes served as key objects in most religious ceremonies. They also functioned as powerful symbols in rituals establishing formal diplomatic ties, political alliances and trade relationships. This long, flat stem with a finely plaited, porcupine quill panel is typical of the large ceremonial pipes created for these purposes. The unusual design depicting two human figures that appear to be wearing hats may have been inspired by visiting dignitaries to whom such pipes were commonly presented.
Torrence, Gaylord, ed. Continuum: North American Native Art at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Kansas City: Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
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