Tobacco Pipe Bowl

This white-clay tobacco pipe bowl was found at Greenbelt Park. While the phrase "Home Rule" is often associated with the District of Columbia this clap pipe's rouletted rim and stamped "Home Rule" reference the political history of Ireland. The "Home Rule" stamp sits above a harp sitting on two springs of shamrocks. This pipe is an example of one of many styles that emerged during the Irish Home Rule Movement. The "Home Rule" movement originated in Ireland in support of Irish independence from British Rule (1870- 1918). It became popular in the United States among the Irish immigrant communities around 1879. This pipe, and others of similar design, was a way for the Irish immigrants to display their pride in their homeland and show support for their fellow countrymen back in Ireland. It is uncertain where this pipe was manufactured. They were often made in Ireland, Scotland and Holland.