Relics of the American West: 1850-1920
Lot 2030:
Description
This ceremonial-style “calumet” features a classic T-shaped pipe bowl hand-carved from red catlinite, a stone historically quarried from the Great Plains region and prized for its ability to withstand high heat. The wooden pipestem is intricately wrapped in buckskin with a decorative fringe, characteristic of 20th-century artisan craft following traditional Plains Indian styles. The catlinite bowl displays a smooth, mottled finish typical of the Minnesota quarries. The item’s condition is fair to good; while the stone bowl remains intact with minimal surface wear, the wooden tenon (nipple socket) of the stem is cleanly broken, though it remains tied to the main shaft by its original cordage. The buckskin shows light age-toning and minor fraying consistent with display. H 2.5″, W 17″, D 0.75″. Please see photos.
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