Even before Christopher Columbus stepped foot in the New World, tobacco followed the Indian trade routes all throughout the continent. Part of the important rituals and ceremonies of many tribes is pipe smoking. Maybe even more than the tobacco itself, the craftsmanship of the pipe has been given much importance. There are many different pipes made with individual features.

The Pipestone is one of the most common types of pipes. Many know it as the Calumet. This type of pipe has been used for centuries for various rituals and ceremonies. The Sioux tribe and other Plains Indian tribes used the popular peace pipe. A wooden stem is attached to a carved calamite or pipestone for a Calumet Pipe to be made. Because of trading with other tribes, this indigenous product became available all throughout the country.

A smaller pipe from the Iroquois as well as Cherokee tribes was another variety. Southwest Indians also used antlers as pipes. The tomahawk pipe was made in the post-Columbian America. Also very popular in Native America is the Elbow Pipe.

Effigy pipes are also famous. Eagles are some of the more popular carved animals. The variety and craftsmanship of these pipes vary from tribe to tribe, but they all have one common factor. Native Americans have always paid close attention to the craftsmanship and details. These pipes are symbolic and hold great importance and are created beautifully from objects from nature.

Native American pipes can be used for ceremonies where people would pass around the pipe in a clockwise direction. In more social events, when the host lights up the pipe, it would mean that it is time for the guests to head home. These subtle and unique things make the use of the Native American pipe very insightful. These pipes made by Native Americans make wonderful artifacts. A fun hobby for pipe lovers is to discover the unique variety of well crafted and rustic Indian pipes.

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