Lot 146D
Native American, Mississippian, found on private land in Mississippi County, Arkansas, US, ca. 200 to 1000 CE. Finely carved from a silicate based stone, a rare Mississippian bear effigy pipe. Pipes like this example were not just made for the simple act of smoking; scholars believe that they played a religious role as well, and various archaeological sites from the period, including the Hopewell Mound sites, have contained the remains of hundreds of destroyed platform pipes, including effigy pipes like this. Others were buried with their owners individually. Effigy platform pipes are believed to be totemic animals or spirits from Native cosmology. According to ethnographic sources, the bear was thought to serve as a protector and symbolize courage, strength, good omens, and leadership. Size: 6.25" L x 2" W x 4" H (15.9 cm x 5.1 cm x 10.2 cm)
Smoking pipes played an important role in Eastern Woodland culture, which spanned from sub-Arctic Canada to the southern United States. The earliest evidence we have for the use of tobacco in this area comes from ca. 100 to 200 CE. In addition and prior to tobacco, we know from ethnohistorical accounts that people smoked a variety of other plants, including dogwood, juniper, sumac, and bearberry.
This piece is accompanied by Certificate of Authenticity from T&T Archaeological Consulting, LLC. (February 11, 2017 - SH203444).
Provenance: private Tennessee, USA collection; found by John Ham on private land in Mississippi County, Arkansas, USA
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#155798
- Condition: Intact. Expected weathered surface commensurate with age, though the form is still strong. Great deposits on surface.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |