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NATIVE AMERICAN CALUMET CEREMONIAL PIPE.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:900.00 USD Estimated At:1,800.00 - 2,800.00 USD
NATIVE AMERICAN CALUMET CEREMONIAL PIPE.
This pipe belongs to a family of pipes generally known as calumet pipes. These calumet pipes are commonly termed in western lore as “peace pipes” but they were actually used for many ceremonial purposes. The actual purpose of the pipe is relayed in the stem decoration & not necessarily the bowl of the pipe. Calumet pipes in general, had a long richly decorated stem w/ an equally well decorated pipestone (catlinite) bowl. They were used to celebrate momentous occasions, ratify treaties & seal agreements both w/ in & outside of the tribe. This pipe appears to date to the mid 19th century & was likely used by one of the Midwest tribes. This calumet pipe’s wooden stem is approx. 24” long & is decorated w/ multicolored, wrapped cordage. There is also cloth & animal hair decoration. The 8 1/4” long bowl is decorated pipestone, commonly referred to as catlinite after the 19th century western artist George Catlin. The more proper term for the bowl is red argillite. The bowl has black staining & inlaid lead decoration in an artistic manner. CONDITION: pipe shows some fading to textile material & light overall wear to the wrapped cordage, hair, wooden stem & catlinite bowl. (02-14014/BF). $1,800-2,800.