Native American, Minnesota, Plains, Sioux (possibly Lakota), ca. 1930s. Inscribed "Buffalo Woman VIII," this is a finely carved red pipestone (sometimes called Catlinite) pipe featuring a standing buffalo at one end before the tall tubular pipe bowl. Catlinite is a soft, red siltstone named for the artist and explorer George Catlin who visited the quarries of this stone in Minnesota in the 1830s. Catlinite pipes are ubiquitous at Oneota sites of the late prehistoric, protohistoric, and early historic periods. This pipe is not only aesthetically appealing with its rich brick-red coloring and fine carving of this wonderful form, but also carries significant symbolism. The red hue is said to derive from the blood of revered ancestors. Furthermore, the buffalo was of paramount importance to the Indigenous peoples of the Plains, providing hide for clothing as well as shelter, food, and Buffalo Spirit medicine as a sign of gratitude for abundance and the sacredness of all beings of creation. Size: 8.1" L x 1.5" W x 4.4" H (20.6 cm x 3.8 cm x 11.2 cm)

Interestingly, this pipe resembles examples created by Lakota artist Alan Monroe, a fifth generation Oglala Lakota pipe maker. We cannot help but wonder if it was created by one of the pipe makers of the earlier generations of his family.

Provenance: private Kansas City, Missouri, USA collection; ex- John Townsend collection, formed in the 1970s and earlier

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#161632

Very light abrasions on buffalo, pipe body, and receptacle, otherwise intact and choice. Wonderful preservation to fine details across buffalo. Inscription on mouthpiece is still legible. Old label on one side of pipe body as shown in photos.