Pipe Tomahawk
Northeastern United States, ca. 1811

The pipe tomahawk is an ingenious combination of weapon and smoking pipe, developed by Euro-Americans for trade with Native people. Iroquois men traded furs for these popular tomahawks. Ornate examples were presented at treaty signings as diplomatic gifts to Indian leaders, who carried them as a sign of their prestige.

Unidentified wood, pewter, brass; L 51.0 x W 2.5 x H 16.5 cm; 23102-1199, gift of John A. Beck