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The Little Clay Pipe in archaeology
MONTEREY — The growing and smoking of tobacco is an ancient ritual. Some may think more often of Sherlock Holmes and his bowl, but early natives in the Americas, from the Mayas to the Huron, long before their detection by intruders, also enjoyed their pipes. The origin of the tobacco plant has a myriad of stories. However, it came into being as an herb to set fire to and smoke, it is still enjoyed around the globe.
It wouldn't seem significant to study those little clay pipes - but where they are found, how they are made, and marked can provide clues to "life and time." The small bowls of early European pipes attests to the strength and expense of tobacco. The bowls on Indian pipes are usually larger for Indians used tobacco in religious rituals and ceremonies of friendship where the pipe would be passed around and shared with many individuals. As the pipes change, the archaeologist can better date the other artifacts found alongside.
Taft Kiser, project archaeologist with Cultural Resources Inc., has developed an expertise and fond- ness for decorated clay pipes. Taft has an extensive background in archaeology that has taken him from Virginia's Flowerdew to South Africa. He finds the discovery of live ammunition at historical sites more exciting, but as a ceramics expert, the clay pipes hold a professional importance for him.
At the next meeting of the Highlands Chapter of the Archaeological Society of Virginia, Taft will present his work with American 17th century decorated clay pipes. Taft will discuss not only his archaeological discoveries of pipes from various sites, but also his success at replicating their manufacture. Whether the smoker was pensively alone with his thoughts, participating in a social ritual or enjoying a rowdy evening in a tavern, a little clay pipe was surely there.
The Highlands Chapter will meet Thursday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. in the Highland County Public Library in Monterey. The meeting and presentation are open to the public and prospective members are encouraged to attend.
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