Steatite Effigy Bear pipe

[Isaac]

I made an awesome find sifting/metal detecting an old spot on Monday... one I would've never expected. I usually don't find Indian Artifacts, but I had a good feeling this one was something cool. I got some help on Facebook and Instagram and found out it most likely came from a pipe because all of the bears claws seem to be ripped off, as if they were attached to something. If anyone has an idea on the age, please let me know. Thanks for looking!

 

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[Mrdigz]

Awesome! I never found an effigy like that before but There are some books on Amazon that could help with identification and future finds.

 

[Isaac]

Thanks! I'll look into them!

 

[Charl]

Probably a good call on it being part of a pipe. It is such a well formed effigy, likely steatite, and so very rare, as far as I am concerned, that is a banner worthy find. Even broke, the majority of the effigy itself is intact. You could hunt for Native American artifacts for the next 50 years and not find anything as rare as that. Myself, I voted banner....

 

[Ridirtdigger]

Awesome find Isaac, that's a unique piece, once again you have yourself a very hard to find relic!!

 

[monsterrack]

Yes that is a banner find, you did real good.

 

[Isaac]

Probably a good call on it being part of a pipe. It is such a well formed effigy, likely steatite, and so very rare, as far as I am concerned, that is a banner worthy find. Even broke, the majority of the effigy itself is intact. You could hunt for Native American artifacts for the next 50 years and not find anything as rare as that. Myself, I voted banner....

Thank you so much Charl. Was totally floored when I read this. I must be really lucky because i have only found a handful of artifacts, and nothing like this. Do you have any idea of the age?

Awesome find Isaac, that's a unique piece, once again you have yourself a very hard to find relic!!

Thanks Jim! Looking forward to getting out.

Yes that is a banner find, you did real good.

Thank you so much!!! Wow

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Very nice effigy...

 

[Isaac]

Thanks TH!

 

[bill from lachine]

Isaac,

Now that is a very special find....well done.

Regards + HH

Bill

 

[jamey]

nice indeed

 

[OutdoorAdv]

Congratulations Isaac! When you texted me I was like "nice pig, but what is the copper coin!?" haha Pretty awesome it turned out to be a bear and super old! I know nothing about Native American artifacts and I had no clue this thing was that old and special. Always nice to learn about this stuff and certainly a huge surprise digging a plug.

 

[GaRebel1861]

That's an awesome find!!

 

[BuckleBoy]

Oh My that is one incredible find! Certainly a find of a lifetime. Seriously first rate!

 

[scruggs]

Beautiful find!

 

[Patriot Relics]

Your on quite a streak Isaac, very unique artifact for sure.

 

[rock]

Congrats on a rare find

 

[BigWaveDave]

Saw this up on banner... Congrats for making it up top!

 

[UnderMiner]

Interesting! Never seen anything like that before! Maybe it came off a ceremonial peace pipe - but then a scuffle ensued during the smoking ceremony and the pipe was used as an impromptu weapon and the bear broke off.

 

[Charl]

Thank you so much Charl. Was totally floored when I read this. I must be really lucky because i have only found a handful of artifacts, and nothing like this. Do you have any idea of the age?


Thanks Jim! Looking forward to getting out.

Thank you so much!!! Wow

As a rule, effigy pipes date to the Woodland Period, which began about 3000 years ago, so it could date from about then down into historic times.