Research Training Program

Alisa O'Connor
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, Indiana

Eric Hollinger, Ph.D.
Supervising Scientist
Department of Anthropology

"The feeling one gets from seeing one amazing thing after another cannot be written or photographed, only remembered forever."

Evolution of Form and Use of Catlinite through Time and Culture

The pipe in Native American traditions holds a sacred status, especially those made of a certain red clay stone called catlinite, named after the painter George Catlin. This specific material is what many Native Plains groups' pipes and other cultural items are made of, though its use spans the United States. Its sacred nature comes from the belief that the red color represents the blood of all Native American ancestors shed in warfare, and the catlinite quarry located in Minnesota represents peace between Native American tribes. The use of the catlinite pipe goes beyond simply smoking; it is highly ceremonial and represents peaceful agreements and gift-giving. Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of these pipes is the variety of forms in which they are found. By completing a survey of the collections and comparing these pipes to their accession dates, it is possible to trace the evolution of the forms over time. The pipes found in archaeological context reach back two thousand years and follow simple forms of both elbow shapes and T shapes. More recent pipes from the Historic Period (after European contact), however, boast elaborate designs in artwork and decoration. These designs include lead decorations as well as carvings, reliefs, and sculptures of animal and human forms. Analyzing etchings on both the pipes and tablets provides a window into the thoughts of the Native Americans. Contact with Europeans is documented in pipe-making as well, with several pipes bearing European-style art that had been learned by the Native Americans, and other pipes depicting Europeans themselves. Pipes were a symbol of pride and identity, as well as status, and many of the Native American portraits Catlin painted feature pipes being displayed prominently.

This research was supported by a grant from the
University of Notre Dame NMNH Internship Program in Anthropology.

Letter of gratitude