Fluted tobacco pipe bowl fragment

Notes

This is a fragment of a white clay tobacco pipe. Clearly visible are molded flutes which would have decorated the bowl of this pipe. A similar pipe was recovered from archaeological excavations at the South Grove Midden. Smoking tobacco was an activity that permeated the lives of eighteenth century people. Individuals as diverse as planters and enslaved laborers, men and women, adults and children may all have used objects such as this pipe. Moreover, pipes would have been used while these individuals carried out a variety of activities, from relaxed socializing to laboring. Along with many of the other consumer goods of the eighteenth century American household, white clay pipes like this were primarily manufactured in Britain. Pipes like these may have arrived at Mount Vernon through bulk purchases by George Washington, who himself placed at least two orders through his London merchant for pipes in 1762 and 1773. Alternatively, such items were readily available for purchase from the local stores frequented by less affluent free, and some enslaved, individuals. Such pipes were fragile, but cheap in the eighteenth century. Their ubiquitous presence in everyday life, means that they are a common find on eighteenth century archaeological sites.

A similar pipe was recovered from the South Grove Midden and catalogued as object 1694503.

Object Type

Tobacco Pipes

Has it Been Conserved?

No

Where Was It Found?

Project Site: House for Families    [more details]