pipestone

American  

[pahyp-stohn] / ˈpaɪpˌstoʊn /

noun

1. a reddish argillaceous stone used by North American Indians for making tobacco pipes.

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pipestone British  

/ ˈpaɪpˌstəʊn /

noun

1. a variety of consolidated red clay used by Native Americans to make tobacco pipes

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Etymology

Origin of pipestone

First recorded in 1755–65; pipe ¹ + stone

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

pipestone

Within tribes, there’s disagreement over whether pipes should be sold, especially to non-Natives, and the pipestone used to make other art objects like carved animal figures.

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 16, 2023

Only hand tools can be used to avoid damaging the pipestone.

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 16, 2023

For carvers like Pederson, good intentions and the Spirit at work in both those practicing the craft as well as those receiving the pipestone are reasons to be optimistic about the future.

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 16, 2023

One change brought through extensive consultations with tribal leaders is the park’s decision to no longer sell pipes at the visitor center, though other pipestone objects are — like small carved turtles or owls.

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 16, 2023

The bowl was red pipestone in the shape of an otter’s head, his clan.

From "The Birchbark House" by Louise Erdrich