Plains Indian Unusual Catlinite Pipe with Hide Bag

Plains Indian

Catlinite, Hide, Glass Beads | Item 2525

This is an amazing catlinite pipe and bowl with wonderful aged patina. The barrel shaped pipe bowl has vertical groves with an opening at the top and the side for the stem. The catlinite stem fits into the barrel in a locked in way to secure the orientation of the matching holes. The stem has a spiral cut along most of its length, ending with a mouth piece shaped at the very end like a hoof. The whole pipe shows much use, with the top of the barrel most darkened and the stem is a rich ensemble of deep reds with layers of soft black hues.

The pipe came to me in this small beaded, hide bag. The consensus on origins is Northern Plains. Most notable on the bag are the four directions symbol, done in white, red with white hearts, greasy yellow, and black. The sides of the bag are beaded with a border of mixed patterns and bead colors. The bag is stitched up with thread. This is likely how the beads were attached as well. This might suggest a more Eastern Plains origin, and earlier than later.