2012 CLA Live Auction: A Traditional Native American Tobacco Pipe by James Blake and Chris Hays

James Blake and Chris Hays have teamed up to create an truly iconic Native American item for our auction, one that would have typically been crafted and used by Native Americans all along the frontier during the War of 1812 . Chris has carefully fashioned a pewter inlaid, red "Catlinite" pipe bowl, and to accompany it James made a traditional quill decorated and incise carved pipe stem.

This is an exceptionally fine set. A pipe and decorated stem of this caliber would have been a very significant personal possession back in the old days, just as it will be today. Fancy, well executed custom pieces like this, especially ones made by artists as well recognized Chris and James, can be very hard to find, but thanks to the joint efforts of this dedicated team, we are very happy to be able to include this fine Native American tobacco pipe in the 2012 CLA fundraising auction.

For more information about the auction or CLA membership please visit: Longrifle.

Photos by David Wright with copy by TC Albert.

Soapstone Pipe and Stem by James Blake and Chris Hayes

Chris made the stone pipe copying an original, the stone is Black Steatite from Quebec. The wooden shaft is arrowwood viburnum commonly use for arrows and pipe stems is by James. The wooden stem is further decorated with a wrapping of oblique woven finger weaving. Wrapping pipe stems are a very common occurrence as seen on originals from the Eastern Woodlands to the Western Plains.

Copy by James Blake and photographed at the 2011 Lake Cumberland Mini CLA Show by Jan Riser.

Stone Pipes in a Tavern Pipe Holder by Chris Hayes

This tavern pipe holder and stone pipe set were made by Chris Hays, Chris meticulously hand carved these four delicate stone pipes this concept is based from a original pipe-holder and pipe set dating from the Revolutionary War period held in a private collection. These simple elbow shaped pipes were polished to a high gloss finish. It draws upon the imagination why or how the original Kaolin Pipes were replaced. Was this piece made for trade to the Europeans or made by a Native American who adopted a European lifestyle? It will be on display in Gettysburg June 16-18Th at the History Meets the Arts art show.  

Copy and photos supplied by James Blake.

Baggataway Sticks and Wooden Ball by James Blake and Chris Hays

Photos supplied by James Blake.

Beaded and Quilled Ornaments by James Blake and Chris Hayes

These Beaded and Quilled Ornaments are based from a set of originals From Russia / Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography  (Kunstkamera) These items were featured in the Clash Of Empires exhibit, Thanks To Dr. Robert Scott Stephenson and his efforts. What I find fascinating about these items is the finishing weave and fringe treatment. What could items like this have been used for? or made for? could it have been for diplomatic councils of Peace and War or simply a Trade Curiosity. Making pieces like these one wonders if they could talk what stories would they tell.      

Copy and photos supplied by James Blake.

James Blake and Chris Hayes Pipe with Quilled Stem

The Catlintie Pipe is by Chris and the quilled stem with the Dogbane keep cord is by James.

Photo supplied by James Blake.

Chris Hayes Steatite Pipe

This pipe is copied from a original housed at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian Cherokee, N.C.

Photo supplied by James Blake.