Pipe c. 19th century

Little Feather carved this pipe out of catlinite, a reddish stone also known as pipestone. The process is subtractive – beginning with a larger piece of the material, and carving away until the desired form is achieved. Catlinite is relatively soft stone, but still requires patience and skill to work. Look closely, and you can see the marks left by the tools that Little Feather used. The shape of the pipe is simple and geometric, but the spiral carved into the stem adds a touch of elegance. Pipestones like this one are not simply objects, they have significant cultural importance. Carved pipes are used in prayer and ceremony by many Native American tribes. The color red is itself significant, representing the blood of the earth and the connection between all living things. Appreciating this object, you can see how the work’s material, form, and function are deeply intertwined.