Ottawa Figural Pipe, with US Corp Badges

second half 19th century

long stem deeply carved with the Great Shield and Army Corps badges of heart, three-leaf clover, diamond, and star; file-branded bands placed between carvings; a twisted snake is carved by mouthpiece; wood bowl designed in the form of a man's head with cap; lead inlay; collection G37 inked on side of bowl

overall length 36-1/2 inches; length of bowl 3 inches x height 2-3/4 inches. Found in northern Michigan.

Company K, 1st Michigan Sharpshooters Regiment

Formed in 1863, Company K of the 1st Michigan Sharpshooters was a unique unit comprised of 139 enlisted men from the Ojibwe, Chippewa, and Ottawa nations. Although these Native American volunteers attempted to join the Union Army earlier in the Civil War, they were initially denied. Only after mounting Union casualties did the government authorize their service. Company K fought with distinction in several major engagements, including the battles of Spotsylvania, Ream’s Station, and Hatcher’s Run.

It is very possible that this pipe was crafted by a veteran of Company K, linking it directly to the legacy of Indigenous military service during the Civil War.

Purchased on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, ca 1969

Purchased on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, ca 1969

Some cracks in stem. Stem is stable. Break in the snake. Carved hand is partially broken.

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Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Danica Farnand

Vice President, Head of Department, Native American Art

[email protected]513.666.4935

Ms. Farnand has helmed the Native American Art department since its inception at Cowan's Auctions in 2003, developing it into one of the most respected and successful departments in the category. Throughout her career, Ms. Farnand has sold over $50 million in Native Art, and has created focused and curated auctions for 19th and 20th century Native works, Jewelry, and Modern and Contemporary Native and Indigenous Arts. A distinguished expert in her field, Ms. Farnand is a respected voice in the ongoing dialogue between Native American tribal groups and the collecting community regarding culturally significant objects, serving as a board member of the Authentic Tribal Art Dealers Association (ATADA) since 2019, and spearheading the effort to return a sacred Ahayu:da wooden figure to its rightful home in the Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico in 2020. She has also been an appraiser on Antiques Roadshow since 2016. Ms. Farnand holds an M.A. in Anthropology from the University of Cincinnati and a B.A. in Art History from John Carroll University.

Native American Art

Ottawa Figural Pipe, with US Corp Badges

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