What significance does the Pipe have for Native Americans?
The power of the Pipe is derived from the cultural teachings and respect of a Higher Power, which Native Americans learn from a very early age. It is smoked in all religious ceremonies and ritualistic occasions. Treaties were signed over a Pipe, couples were and still are married over one. Making vows or signing a name over a Pipe ensures that the vows or agreement will never be broken, because it has been sanctified by the Creator. The bowl of a Pipe represents the female, the stem the male, when the two are joined the makings of the universe are held in the smoker’s hand. Once a Pipe has been smoked it is at that point consecrated or blessed and has to be stored away with the bowl and stem separated. It will then never be joined unless it is about to be prayed with. Usually the Pipe is kept wrapped in a red cloth or a Pipe bag, which is sometimes highly decorated. The Plains style pipe was traditionally used by men. The elbow style was used by women.
