Hopewell Polished Stone Bear Effigy Platform Pipe, Ohio (Auction 2026-06-05, Lot 101A)

$771.00

A carved stone effigy platform pipe surmounted by a seated bear, the animal crouching with the bowl opening between the shoulders in the classic Hopewell form. Worked from a fine-grained pale stone, the gently arched platform tapers to a mouthpiece at one end. Hopewell effigy pipes of this type are among the most celebrated objects of prehistoric North America, used ceremonially rather than casually, with animal effigies likely representing spirit helpers or clan totems.

Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection; ex-private Denver, Colorado, USA collection

Condition: Very Good. Chips and pitting to the surface, otherwise intact. Findsite and old inventory number written on the base surface.