There are as many different stories about the origin of the pipe as there are nations. For the Sioux, it was brought by White Buffalo Calf Woman. The Blackfeet received it from the Thunder Spirit. For the Mandan, a man called Good Fur Robe was responsible. For the Cheyenne, it was a young woman named Sweet Medicine. According to the Arapaho, the pipe was one of the first things in the world. Pipes have been around for at least 4000 years. The earliest ones (that were found in burial sites) were straight cylinders that were flared at one end.

There are two types of pipe: a personal and a working pipe. A personal pipe is strictly for one person, and is not to be smoked with anyone else. It is a personal meditation or focus tool used to connect with the sacred. A working pipe is one that is carried for all people and all life.

Each part of a pipe ceremony has a sacred meaning. The pipe and offerings of smoke designate communion with the Great Spirit, and the prayers carried to Him on the smoke. The stem of the pipe represents the male aspects of all life, while the bowl represents the female aspects. A very powerful bowl is one carved with images of the pipe carrier's guardian spirit. When the bowl and the stem are joined, the pipe is awakened and the duality of the Universe is made One; all divisions between the normal and the sacred are crossed.

One must earn the title of medicine person and pipe carrier, for they are often connected. This person then becomes the servant of the pipe, sacrificing their own life and ego for that of the pipe. The pipe carrier must smoke the pipe for whoever asks, regardless. When carrying the pipe, the person cannot be under the influence of alcohol or any non-medical drug.

Pipes can be made from many things: wood, stone, fired clay, bone, metal, and stone. Stones used include soapstone, alabaster, and pipestone (or catlinite).

First Opened: November 13, 2000
Revised: June 2004