Of all the historic artifacts relating to American Indian cultures, tomahawks and pipe tomahawks are undeniably two of the more fascinating and sought after by historians and collectors. Originally, Europeans and Euro-Americans manufactured tomahawks for trade to Indians across much of the continent. In time, however, some Indians took up metalworking and blacksmithing, and began to fabricate all manner of practical objects, including tomahawks. Exercising creative ingenuity, Indians likely played a role in the initial concept of combining this weapon/tool with a pipe, thereby contriving a single, efficient implement, and reducing the gear needed on the trail.

Ash was the wood preferred by those who carved tomahawk handles and pipe stems. Not only is it durable and beautiful, but the pith, which extends through the heart of ash saplings, can be easily burned through with a red-hot wire or metal rod, thus creating a conduit for drawing smoke through a handle or stem.

The haft of this tomahawk pipe indicates that it was a utilitarian item, as it gradually flares from the butt end to the head, ensuring that the metal head is wedged firmly in place, secure enough for heavy use, even combat. Contrary to the norm for most extant examples, the hand-forged iron blade on the head of this pipe tomahawk was sharpened at some point early on, also revealing that it was not merely carried in the manner of a swagger stick during public occasions, as was common with hand held weapons, feather fans and other objects, but was suitable for more serious purposes.

Benson L. Lanford
April 26, 2001