Eagle Platform Pipe Item Number: L49.3.1 from the Brooklyn Museum
Description
Carved stone pipe representing an eagle perched crosswise on a thin, curving platform. The bowl of the pipe is on the bird's back, and the stem is part of the platform. Wing and tail feathers are rendered in realistic detail but the rest of the body, feet and head are worked with minimal embellishment. Eye sockets are inset with lead. Such platform pipes are typical of the Hopewell culture, but this eagle is unique for the addition of the lead eyes and its very fine workmansip. There are a few equidistance tool marks cross wise which make it unusual as well. Condition: excellent.
Label
In ancient times the hawk was associated with the noonday sun, forces of nature, and summer activities. This pipe bowl, which would have been attached to a wood stem, may have represented a family crest. Such a finely sculpted pipe bowl would have been treasured and given the clan owner great status. The smoke would have sent “prayers” into the sky and called down the sacred spirits.
Credit Line
Anonymous loan
Item History
- Made between 1 and 400
What
Who
- Culture
- Hopewell
Where
- Holding Institution
- Brooklyn Museum
When
- Creation Date
- between 1 and 400
Other
- Location
- American Identities: A New Look, American Art Galleries, 5th Floor, The Americas’ First Peoples, 4000 B.C.E.–1521 C.E., 5th Floor
- Classification
- Smoking/Drugs