Frog Effigy Platform Pipe

1st-2nd century; Havana; Earthenware; height 7 cm (2 3/4 in.); Founders Society Purchase with funds from Flint Ink Corporation; 1986.61

Power comes to individuals as a gift from the spirit world and ultimately from the Creator. The frog seated on the Effigy Platform Pipe represents a spiritual intermediary through whom power flows. The act of smoking tobacco is intended as an offering, a gift in return for the spirit being's blessings. Note that the frog faces the smoker when the pipe is used, the same as the human face carved on one side of the Pipe Bowl.

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