Simple Catlinite (Pipestone) Tamper | |
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Each pipestone item is handmade from catlinite (pipestone), which has naturally-occurring color variations and sometimes lighter areas called "power spots". The item you receive might have power spots or might vary slightly in color from the items pictured on this page.
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Paula says - "This tamper was handmade by fifth generation Lakota pipe maker Alan Monroe of solid sacred catlinite from Alan's own mine at Pipestone National Monument in Pipestone Minnesota. The stone has been buffed and polished to a high gloss with beeswax."
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Pipe Tampers -There are a number of different pipe tools that can be used depending on the smoking mixture. These include the pick and the tamper. A pick stirs up the smoking mixture, giving it more air so it will burn more readily and quickly. It can also be used to clean the pipe bowl. A tamper packs the smoking mixture down so it burns more evenly and more slowly. As far as Native American pipe tools, the pick was traditionally a pointed wooden stick used to clean the pipe bowl and stir the herbs and grasses. After tobacco was introduced, tampers were made to press the tobacco tightly in the bowl so it would burn slower and stay lit. Alan Monroe, Lakota artist began making catlinite tampers about 20 years ago. They are made of solid sacred catlinite from Alan's own mine at Pipestone National Monument in Pipestone Minnesota. The stone has been buffed and polished to a high gloss with beeswax. They range in style from simple to very ornate. Small to quite large and heavy. Plain or in the image of an animal effigy. Each tamper has a hole drilled in it so that a leather thong, feather, horsehair or other adornment can be attached to the tamper. We offer tampers with a simple buckskin lace and glass crow beads but these can easily be embellished or removed to make the tamper reflect your unique personality. |
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