The use of Native American pipes played a crucial role in developing relations among Native Americans and Europeans in their initial contacts with each other; tobacco/pipe smoking is now recognized as the most powerful and consistent vehicle for establishing common ground and fostering effective relations. The ritual helped overcome cultural boundaries by creating a “sacred kinship” between otherwise unrelated individuals and groups. Pipes also served to facilitate trade, ease diplomacy, and establish a social relationship. The assumed closed boundary between cultures and between “savagery” and “civilization” literally disappeared in a cloud of tobacco smoke.
Ceremonial pipes were used for prayer and meditation and it is believed that it will give the keeper great powers as long as he lives an honorable life, if not, the powers will leave. It is believed that as the smoke tendrils rise upwards that prayers are delivered to the Creator. One does not own a pipe but rather is the keeper of the pipe, reflecting the native belief in responsibility rather than ownership.
Since ancient times, Indians have used tobacco to show reverence to The Great Spirit, and respect for each other. Tobacco is used in daily offerings such as sprinkling tobacco to ask The Great Spirit for strength or a safe journey to or from home. Also, Gifts of Tobacco are used to give to various respected people that another wishes to speak with.
White explorers began to make it a habit (very possibly one of survival!) by carrying pipes in case of chance meetings with Indians because meetings were held and agreements sealed by smoking a ceremonial pipe. The term "peace pipe" or “Pipe of Peace” arose from the idea that smoking the pipe, first initiated by the Native American, during the signing of a peace treaty signified peace and friendship. It is not known whether this designation was used by Native Americans and then “borrowed” by the Euro-Americans, or if as with many things, adapted from another Native American term/phrase or concept.
Large and intricately decorated, the ceremonial pipes were stored in beautiful bags embroidered with beads and quills among other decorations. It was an honor to be selected to “hold” a peace pipe. Accordingly, at least among Native Americans, this is a tradition that continues today.
In modern times, the term "peace pipe" has a much broader definition that refers to many different kinds of pipes. Meaning, of course, the broader definition is held by non-Indians. Be that as it may, one type of pipe is used in Native American religious ceremonies to commemorate or bless an event, such as the swearing in of an elected official, naming ceremonies for children, and groundbreaking for new buildings and facilities. Indians believe that the rising smoke carries messages to the Great Creator.
The Rhode Island Indian Council strongly adheres to its Native American cultural beliefs in everything it does. However, we do not encourage the use of commercial tobacco among its people, particularly our youth, and we will work with local political and business leaders to support statewide efforts to stomp out the use of tobacco among all citizens in the state off Rhode Island.
