Catlinite Pipe and Ash Wood Stem

This traditional T-style catlinite pipe with the associated ash wood stem is representative of the types of historic and ethnographic pipes that were/are carved by American Plains Indians throughout the Midwest Region as well as in parts of Canada. Catlinite is the name of the stone that is derived from the quarries of what is now Pipestone National Monument. In general, pipes are considered sacred objects and thus the stem should never be connected to the bow unless used for smoking in ceremony or prayer. Used in such settings, smoke emitted from the pipe represents the prayers offered up to the "Creator." For most Plains Indian tribes, the pipe is considered the most important form of material culture.

Bowl itself is L 23.4, xH 13, xW 4.7 cm.
Stem is 19 cm round, 16.5 cm oval
Overall measurements: L 51.2, H x4.5, Wx 2.5 cm.