Tribe/Region: Cherokee, Southeastern Woodlands

Circa: 1800-1830’s

Materials: Steatite

Dimensions: H. 2 5/8″ x W. 1 1/2″ x D. 1″

Condition: Excellent. Rich deep patina, minor chip to rim of bowl and tips of feet. No restoration.

Comments: This figural pipe bowl captures a brief moment in Southeastern native culture. The Cherokee, one of the five civilized tribes of the Southeast adapted Western culture, dress and agricultural conventions. The man’s tailored coat with coat tails and Western period hat depict an individual of stature and wealth. He is clasping a huge barrel suggestive of agricultural abundance. This extraordinary depiction of a pre-Trail of Tears moment with Cherokee families adapted to “western” ways and accumulated wealth thru agricultural husbandry is unique. This brief moment passed with the tragic Indian Removal Act of 1830.

Early Cherokee pipe bowls of this same period depict individuals holding open books and Bibles. The Cherokee, Sequoyah, developed a Cherokee Syllabary often depicted on Cherokee figural pipe bowls with figures holding books.

Collection History:

Skinner’s Boston, 12/2/17, Lot 244

Midwest Collection