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PAIR PIPESTONE/CATLINITE SOUVENIRS FROM PIPESTONE NATIONAL PARK, MN. - $50 (NW Reno)
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Recently some very good articles have appeared online about this famous Pipestone quarry in SW Minnesota. In the mid-1830's for example, famous western artist/explorer George Catlin rode 360 miles alone to reach the Pipestone quarries, becoming the first to document and paint the sacred site. Scientists named the red stone “Catlinite” in his honor. Sacred site considered strictly off-limits to whites then and he went on his own, at considerable risk as no one would even guide him there. Site was considered mythical in stature. Ceremonial Indian pipes used everywhere were made from the stone and Catlin had noticed this. Now is your chance to own, experience and treasure this famous stone, at one time you have had to risk life and limb to do so, as George Catlin did. Still the material is strictly controlled.
Up for sale are a pair of OLDER PIPESTONE NATIONAL PARK, MINNESOTA CARVINGS/SOUVENIRS, DONE IN PIPESTONE OR CATLINITE, NAMED AFTER GEORGE CATLIN, FROM PIPESTONE NATIONAL MONUMENT, FOUNDED IN 1937 AND PRODUCED FOR THE EARLY AUTOMOBILE TOURIST MARKET, LIKELY 1940'S AND 50'S AND 60'S. I have owned these for 50 years plus and purchased them from Minnesota antique shops and treasured since. Am getting older and ready to pass some prized possession on and let someone else enjoy them.
There is a knife, shaped as a fish with 'Pipestone, Minn.' etched into it and a turtle, has 'Winona' (Minnesota) inscribed on the bottom. The knife is 6.5" x 1.5" x .75" and the turtle is 4.25" x 3.25" x 1", both relatively larger sized. These items were sold as souvenirs to tourists in Minnesota back in the earlier days of automobile tourism. Highly prized and collectable, especially the older and larger pieces such as these.
The pair is in excellent shape with no damage occurring since I have owned them. The knife looks as it was when produced and the turtle's tail looks like it has a very small chip done a long time ago on the underside of tail or simply made that way perhaps, smoothed over now by the passage of time (see photos for more information on condition). Pipestone is a soft mineral and relatively easy to carve, adapted well to carving ceremonial pipes etc. The beautiful deep red color made Pipestone very special to Native Americans. Pipestone also can have varying shades of red in it and the bottom of the turtle shows that mottled coloring.
The prehistoric Pipestone Quarries are culturally significant to 23 tribal nations of North America and were considered neutral territory or peaceful territory to allow all nations access the area in a peaceful manner. For over 3,000 years indigenous people have quarried red Pipestone there to make pipes used in prayer and ceremony. The area is somewhat isolated in far southwest Minnesota but very much worth a trip to visit. The Jeffers Petroglyph site is close by and contains 5,000 pre-contact indigenous rock carvings done around 7,000 years ago. Do not miss Leaping Rock located in the National Monument, a place for centuries, warriors could prove their bravery, sometimes to win the heart of a women. On July 4th,1838 J.C. Fremont, then 25 and later a famous explorer in his own right, was on Joseph Nicollet's expedition at the site and successfully made the jump to place an American Flag on the rock. See Indian Head Rock as well as Winnewissa Falls there as well. Highly recommended.
You see this post, item is for sale, NO NEED TO ASK. Located just off I-80 at Robb Drive in NW Reno (Exit 9) at 6850 SHARLANDS AVE. Large condo community, SILVER CREEK, map in post is correct, just zoom in/out. Make an appointment to come, email or phone (phone number in post, sorry, don't do texts, old skool landline). Place is well marked, go straight in through roundabout by clubhouse and park by large mailbox kiosk just west of clubhouse, plenty of open parking, security-cams and people, safe area to do business. When you arrive gimme a call, and we will meet at the mailboxes and take it from there, can use the conference room, again full of cameras and people milling about.
See other items for sale by seller. Shipping OK, just ask. No B.S., never desperate, specialize in quality stuff for quality people who can appreciate it. Everything normally posted on other sites as well, you want it, buy it is my advice. FIRM PRICES, NOT A BIG HAGGLER, start stuff at the lowest prices I can. Honest as day is long you want references can give you tons. Most of my buyers are repeat customers, best compliment I can get. Watch out, Sharlands is ALL multi-family complexes, go to SILVERCREEK CONDOS, 6850 SHARLANDS AVE.