Tobacco pipe

Tobacco pipe

A tobacco pipe is a device specifically made to smoke tobacco. It comprises a chamber (the bowl) for the tobacco from which a thin hollow stem (shank) emerges, ending in a mouthpiece (the bit). Pipes can range from very simple machine-made briar models to highly prized hand-made artisanal implements made by renowned pipe makers, which are often very expensive collector's items.

History

The history of the tobacco pipe is long and filled with intrigue. The practice of smoking tobacco has been traced back to the Native Americans in the pre-Columbian era. It wasn't until the arrival of the Europeans that the popularity of the practice spread worldwide.

Types of Tobacco Pipes

There are many different types of tobacco pipes, including:

• Briar pipe - The most common type of pipe, made from the root burl of the tree heath.
• Meerschaum pipe - A high quality pipe made from a mineral found in small quantities in the earth.
• Corn cob pipe - An inexpensive pipe, made from a corn cob.
• Clay pipe - A pipe made from clay, often used for historical reenactments.
• Cherrywood pipe - A pipe made from cherry wood, often used for its flavor-enhancing properties.

Health Effects

While smoking tobacco in a pipe is often perceived as being less harmful than other forms of smoking, it still carries health risks. The nicotine in the tobacco is addictive, and the smoke can cause lung diseases and contribute to heart disease.

See Also

• Smoking
• Tobacco
• Cigar
• Cigarette