Pipestone

 

For thousands of years, Native Americans from all over the continent have journeyed to these sacred lands to quarry for "pipestone" -- the rare red stone from which prayer pipes ("calumet") are carved. An ancient legend among native tribes tells that the soft red stone came from the flesh and blood of their ancestors -- granting the red pipestone a high level of sacredness which commands respect. 

 

Long before the first Europeans arrived in this area, tribes from all over North America would travel hundreds of miles to obtain the prized red stone. Their peacepipes (another word for prayer pipe, or calumet) took on many shapes, styles and designs, and were used in vision-questing and other spiritual ceremonies. 

 

Today, the ancient art of pipe-carving continues. Tribal people still hand-quarry the red stone with picks and chisels, and continue to carve pipes and crafts which are unmatched in quality and originality. It is truly an art that deserves preservation.  

 

 

We encourage you to learn more about the Pipestone National Monument, the City of Pipestone, and the Pipestone County Museum!  Please visit these links:

 

http://www.nps.gov/pipe
http://www.pipestoneminnesota.com
http://www.pipestoneminnesota.com/museum

http://www.uniquelyminnesota.com/features/pipestone-national-monument.htm