Calumet Stem and Pipe Bowl

1780–1830

Not on view

Returned to lender

This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.

This calumet, or round-stemmed ceremonial pipe, is adorned with bald-eagle feathers, porcupine quillwork, and the scalp feathers of a male Mallard duck. For Plains peoples, the sharing of a pipe was the most important ritual for creating relationships with others outside the tribe. The act of smoking together connected participants to higher powers and affirmed alliances; it was often accompanied by a ceremony called the Calumet Dance. A pipe itself was commonly presented as a diplomatic gift.

Artwork Details

Overview

Title: Calumet Stem and Pipe Bowl
Date: 1780–1830
Geography: United States, Upper Missouri region
Culture: Upper Missouri region
Medium: Wood, eagle and downy feathers, mallard duck scalp, horsehair, unidentified hair, winter weasel fur (?), porcupine quills, sinew, bast fiber cord, native-tanned leather, silk ribbon, pigment, catlinite (red pipestone)
Dimensions: Length: 44 1/2 in. (113 cm)
Width: 23 in. (58.4 cm) with fan
Classification: Wood-Implements
Credit Line: Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Gift of the Heirs of David Kimball, 1899 (99-12-10/53099.1–.2)
Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing