~ Late Archaic / Early Woodland ~ Tube Pipe Cache ~

Length: 6"

Grade: 10

Description: Interesting and rare conical smoking tube pipe from the Tennessee River Basin, accompanied by a rare and unusual group of associated items. The pipe is a well-made example of an early conical form, showing the typical tapered shape and workmanship expected for the type. These were the first smoking pipes ever used.

Included with the pipe are all the items that were found together with the pipe: five drilled Raccoon Bacula, two bird bones—one drilled for suspension and wear, the other worked as an awl—along with a limestone gorget and an unworked piece of cannel coal. Together, the group represents a highly distinctive assemblage of personal and utilitarian items.

The pipe itself is a Late Archaic to early Woodland form, and the associated pieces add strong display and study interest, especially given the uncommon survival of organic and faunal artifacts in such a grouping.

Provenance: Found on private property with permission, From the Tennessee River Basin (Kentucky Lake region), Henry County, Tennessee, in the Rock Creek–Big Sandy River corridor. Ex. Mitch Lewis Collection, with evaluation and COA by Jerry T. Dickey