Inidan fakir mending his sacred blanket, India, ca. 1900-1920

Photograph of an "Indian fakir mending his sacred blanket." His pipe is nearby. "The head of the pipe being filled with tobacco lighted charcoal is put on top. On the bottom is an airtight water vessel half full of water. The lower end of the tube is underneath the water. The smoker through the other pipe [?] the air in the half filled vessel of water causing vacuum. This draws the smoke through the pipe. The smoke from this pipe is sweeter and finer that the best cigar or cigarette.