Pipestone National MonumentJun 18, 2010
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Jerry tries his hand at shaping Pipestone
American Indian crafts Pipestone
Objects made of Pipestone
| Every once in awhile we find a red dot on the map for something that looks interesting. It said Pipestone National Monument just across the border from where we were staying. I looked it up in my AAA guide and found out that it is the location where American Indians quarried pipestone, a soft, carvable stone for ceremonial pipes. We took a chance and drove over there. It was a beautiful experience learning about the importance of pipes in the spiritual life of Indians and seeing the beauty of what they consider a sacred place. Indians are still using the quarries to remove pipestone using only hand tools. The rock is found below a large layer of quartzite, a hard rock, which makes the work back-breaking. The work goes on later in the summer and fall. The government controls the process of who can quarry the rock, but all Indians can do this if they are a recognized tribe. They have to apply for a permit. It was amazing to think that the centuries-old traditions are being maintained by 21st century Indians. After learning about the importance and uses of pipestone, we walked the 3/4 mile Circle Trail which winds through tall prairie grasses, quarries which are filled with water at this time of the year, Winnewissa Falls and the briskly flowing waters of Pipestone Creek. It was a fine experience. |
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