Traditional Native American Pipe Decoration |
| Due to the spiritual nature of the Native American pipe it was too important to let anyone decorate it other than the person who would be using it in ceremony. This person may have made the pipe himself, may have traded for it or had it gifted to him but the decoration was what really made it special to him. The blend of colors and decorative materials used in pipe decoration was influenced by hunting and war experiences, dreams and vision quests. Because the decoration was based on unique experiences, no two pipes were ever exactly alike. Typically, the decorations were intended to evoke blessings from Creator, lesser spirits and personal animal protectors. Where porcupine quills were available it was common to wrap pipe stems with plaited quills in spiritually significant colors and designs. After European contact trade beads replaced most of the quillwork. Women, usually members of the man's household, decorated his pipe stem with quills and beads. Eagle feathers were often attached to the pipe stem prior to ceremonies to invoke the eagle spirit to deliver prayers to Creator. The whole purpose of decorating the pipe was to gain favor with the spirit world so prayers would be answered. For more complete information regarding traditional American Indian pipe design, decoration and use the reader is directed to the following books. OFFERING SMOKE - Jordan Papers, University of Idaho Press THE SACRED PIPE - Joseph Epes Brown, University of Oklahoma Press |
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