pipe

See notesThe Ni-ni-ba or Pipe and its companion the Ni-ni-u-zhi-ha or Tobacco-bag are necessary appurtenances of a man. Smoking is ceremonial as well as social and there is a etiquette in filling, lighting and offering the pipe which pertains to its use at all times, the forms vary in their elaboration but the essential ideas are the same. The decorations upon the stem suggest rather than fully express certain symbols which belong to the pipes of sacred ceremonies, and add a dignity to the article making it something more than a means for self pleasure. The decoration upon the tobacco-bag is apt to give similar hints in the design employed. The two are always carried together in one hand"(La Flesche 1898:15).catlinit