Eagle Platform Pipe

Item number L49.3.1 from the Brooklyn Museum.

Public

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Data
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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

Name: Eagle Platform Pipe
Identification Number: L49.3.1
Type of Item: eagle and pipe
Material: stone and lead eye
Overall: length 3.375 in, width 1.1875 in, height 4.3125 in

Where

Holding Institution: Brooklyn Museum

Who

Culture: Hopewell

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