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Pipe Stem with Wampum

1800–1825
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
Both traditional materials and those introduced through trade with Euro-Americans are featured on this elaborate pipe stem. Attached to the front portion of the stem is the scalp of an ivory-billed woodpecker, a bird widely associated with warfare in the Plains and Woodlands regions. Plaited porcupine quillwork with hourglass designs—combined with silk, cotton, and wool fabrics acquired in trade—serves as a wrapping. Five strands of wampum (white shell beads), symbols of peace to Indian nations, hang from the ends.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Pipe Stem with Wampum
  • Date: 1800–1825
  • Geography: United States, Eastern Plains or Western Great Lakes
  • Culture: Eastern Plains or Western Great Lakes
  • Medium: Wood, ivory-billed woodpecker scalp, wood duck and downy feathers, horsehair, deer hair, porcupine quills, two types of bast fiber cord, cotton fabric, twill-woven wool tape, silk ribbon, shell beads (channeled whelk)
  • Dimensions: Length: 35 7/8 in. (91.1 cm)
  • Classification: Wood-Implements
  • Credit Line: Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Hardvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Gift of the Heirs of David Kimball, 1899 (99-12-10/53110.2)
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing