E0257: Inuit- Pipe

Ethnographic

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Identifier:

E0257

Classification Category:

3:Personal Artifacts ➞ Personal Gear

Marks/Labels:

pipe stem labeled 257-A, "mouthpiece" 257-B, end cap 257-C, bowl 257-D

Materials:

botanical ➔ wood
metal
paper
fabric ➔ thread

Dimensions:

22.5 cm L
2.5 cm W
6 cm H

Provenance of Object:

This object was held in the museum that Luther College started in 1877. This museum eventually grew into the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, and following this, non-Norwegian American ethnographic objects were returned to Luther and accessioned into the college’s Anthropology Collection. Without additional documentation, was likely obtained by the Luther College Museum (later the Norwegian-American Museum) between the late 19th century and early 20th century.

Use/Function:

This Siberian style pipe is made from wood, metal, and thread. Using tobacco demonstrated a sign of status for those who could both afford it and have the time to use it. Smoking from this style of pipe was most likely done by the men for ritual purposes. However, smoking and tobacco use in general was very popular among Inuit men, women, and children in the 19th century.

Source Locality:

Alaska, USA

Description:

Siberian-style Inuit pipe made from wood with metal features.

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