Native American Pipes Throughout History
Nearly everyone is aware of Native American pipes once used to promote peace. It has been celebrated in story and song. However, there are many different types of Native American pipes. Specific pipes were used for different ceremonies. Indian pipes were made to augment religious or spiritual ceremonies as well as to welcome visitors to the tribe or cement peaceful living. Today, pipes are also made for individual use, although these are often of a simpler design than the others.
Although the peace pipe is well known, it is not the only Native American pipe. For centuries, pipes have been used by the indigenous peoples of North and Central America. A variety of styles and purposes have emerged over the course of years. Long stemmed pipes have been made over time, including today, by the Plains Indians. The wooden hollowed stem is attached to a pipe stone bowl. This valuable stone is found in Minnesota, but eventually spread throughout most of the continent through trade.
Animals have always played a large part in the personal and spiritual life of Native Americans. The affinity to nature is shown in the effigy or animal pipe. This type of pipe is carved in a manner that an animal is carved right into the actual bowl. Shamans often use pipes adorned with an animal fetish during their ceremonies. Native American pipes of this type are large pipes, as befits their inclusion in important rituals. The animal carved into the pipe's bowl will usually represent the spirit guide of the shaman conducting the ceremony.
The Plains pipe is another type of Native American pipe. This pipe was often found among the Sioux tribes. The plains pipe can be a personal item as well as being used for ceremonies. Often the plains pipe was fired up and passed around the circle when men gathered together. Etiquette has been strictly followed with this and other pipes as well. The plains pipe has always played a large part in the sweat lodge ceremony. This ceremony is considered to be so sacred that the entire ceremony has never been shown to non Native American people.
The long cultural tradition of the Native American pipe is still being carried on today. Pipes in many styles and sizes are created by skilled and dedicated Indian craftsmen. Some pipes perhaps, are quite simple in design, with only a small amount of bead work. Others are very elaborate with feathers, bones, and horsehair in addition to beads. Today, Indian artists make pipes out of stone, wood, and antlers. Your home will take on a natural touch by adding a pipe or two. Native American pipes will help to bring the essence of the Great Plains into your living room simply by being displayed on a stand in a collection. Any cabin, home with Southwest decor, or ranch can be touched by the spirit of the Indian with the addition of one or more of these pipes.
Although the peace pipe is well known, it is not the only Native American pipe. For centuries, pipes have been used by the indigenous peoples of North and Central America. A variety of styles and purposes have emerged over the course of years. Long stemmed pipes have been made over time, including today, by the Plains Indians. The wooden hollowed stem is attached to a pipe stone bowl. This valuable stone is found in Minnesota, but eventually spread throughout most of the continent through trade.
Animals have always played a large part in the personal and spiritual life of Native Americans. The affinity to nature is shown in the effigy or animal pipe. This type of pipe is carved in a manner that an animal is carved right into the actual bowl. Shamans often use pipes adorned with an animal fetish during their ceremonies. Native American pipes of this type are large pipes, as befits their inclusion in important rituals. The animal carved into the pipe's bowl will usually represent the spirit guide of the shaman conducting the ceremony.
The Plains pipe is another type of Native American pipe. This pipe was often found among the Sioux tribes. The plains pipe can be a personal item as well as being used for ceremonies. Often the plains pipe was fired up and passed around the circle when men gathered together. Etiquette has been strictly followed with this and other pipes as well. The plains pipe has always played a large part in the sweat lodge ceremony. This ceremony is considered to be so sacred that the entire ceremony has never been shown to non Native American people.
The long cultural tradition of the Native American pipe is still being carried on today. Pipes in many styles and sizes are created by skilled and dedicated Indian craftsmen. Some pipes perhaps, are quite simple in design, with only a small amount of bead work. Others are very elaborate with feathers, bones, and horsehair in addition to beads. Today, Indian artists make pipes out of stone, wood, and antlers. Your home will take on a natural touch by adding a pipe or two. Native American pipes will help to bring the essence of the Great Plains into your living room simply by being displayed on a stand in a collection. Any cabin, home with Southwest decor, or ranch can be touched by the spirit of the Indian with the addition of one or more of these pipes.
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