An Introduction to the Tobacco Pipe

5 Parts of a Tobacco Pipe

A pipe is a very simple tool used to hold burning tobacco. The smoke released from the burning tobacco is then drawn through a small tube and into the pipe smokers mouth. As simple as a pipe seams there is an incredible amount of skill that goes into making a finely crafted pipe. The Indians of North and South America over the course of a thousand years were only able to craft crude pipes made out of stone or clay. However, the European craftsmen were able to perfect the art of pipes in only a couple of centuries. 

Below you will find a diagram of a pipe and the 5 different parts that make up a pipe.

1. Bowl - This is where the tobacco is burned

2. Shank - Generally part of the bowl is used to neck the pipe down.

3. Stem - Stem fits tightly into the shank via a mortise and tenon joint

4. Lip - Raise ring around the Stem

5. Filter - Generally a metal piece attached to the Stem

Once a pipe is assembled, filled, and lit the smoke travels from the bottom of the bowl, through the shank, around the filter, through the stem, and into the mouth. The lip provides the mechanism to keep the stem from slipping from the mouth. The total design of the modern day pipe comes from years of trial and error and experimentation.