Arkansas River
Pipes and Gorgets
page 2
Pipes and Gorgets
page 2
What a Pipe!
Found by Darrin
Dirksen in the
1990's on the
Arkansas River
near Tulsa. This
large elbow style
pipe was used
with a cane
stem.
Stylistically this
pipe dates to the
period
1500-1600 A.D.
Found by Darrin
Dirksen in the
1990's on the
Arkansas River
near Tulsa. This
large elbow style
pipe was used
with a cane
stem.
Stylistically this
pipe dates to the
period
1500-1600 A.D.
An interesting
design of
crossed circles
is carved into
the bowl.
Crosses often
symbolize the
four directions,
the crossing of
paths, and the
harmony and
balance of
opposite forces.
design of
crossed circles
is carved into
the bowl.
Crosses often
symbolize the
four directions,
the crossing of
paths, and the
harmony and
balance of
opposite forces.
The pipe is made of a fine grained
local sandstone, and was drilled
using a hollow cane and sand. It's
large size is evidence it was
smoked communally rather than
individually.
local sandstone, and was drilled
using a hollow cane and sand. It's
large size is evidence it was
smoked communally rather than
individually.
Evidence of the cane drilling technique can still be seen inside the bowl.
Stems of used pipes often show breakage like this from stem leverage.
Stems of used pipes often show breakage like this from stem leverage.
Mr. Duvall walked the river for many years, but found only one
gorget. Like most, it has been broken and salvaged. Notice the fine
line engraving and red ocher stain.
gorget. Like most, it has been broken and salvaged. Notice the fine
line engraving and red ocher stain.