Chinook Indian Talk

Re: Use of the Pipe

From: tenas
Date: 3/31/2003
Time: 12:24:20 PM
Remote Name: 205.188.208.43

Comments

Yes, tobacco was used for spiritual purposes. However, very few of the ceremonies surrounding its use are recorded. I do know that in the simplest of these, a kind of prayer or meditation, a Taminuas [shaman] would light a pipe and then take five puffs [remember that five is a sacred number to the Chinook]. He would blow the smoke north, east, south, and west. The last puff he would blow into the air above him as an offering to the great spirit[s]. The pipe would then be passed around the circle and each person gathered there would repeat this ritual.

You are correct about the use of bearberry leaves and native tobacco. They generally mixed the two. The early fur traders preferred the native mixture to the tobacco they brought with them from the east coast. The native mixture was however in short supply. The Chinook, it would seem, did not grow large quantities of their own tobacco, and quickly adopted the eastern variety as a trade item.

It may well be that prior to the introduction of the cheaper trade tobacco the Chinook reserved their own for ceremonial purposes only.

Also, if I understand what is written in the old journals, they did not smoke this mixture as it is generally smoked today. They would gulp large quantities of the smoke, taking it not only into their lungs but also into their stomachs. Afterwards they would belch large clouds of smoke.

Last changed: March 31, 2003