The circle or hoop near the elk's foreleg may connect this pipe bowl with the Elk Dreamer's Society.
The hoop suggests the idea of protection. Dreamers wore this symbol to protect themselves from the
power of other animal dreamers, and carried hoops made of twined willow branches or other herbs in
dance performances. A mirror was sometimes suspended in the center of the hoop with two crossed
cords symbolizing the four directions. The mirror allowed the dreamer to "reflect" his
elk power at those who opposed him or to bring others under his power. Although we don't know for
certain if this pipe bowl was used in elk ceremonies, it is known that Elk Dreamers preferred small
yellow pipes. Perhaps the carver of this pipe bowl purposely chose a yellow-colored stone. |