This is an exceptional 19th Century polychrome painted carved wood twisted pipe stem and catlinite bowl from the Plains Native American Indians, attributed to the Sioux. Provenance: The piece was published in “Indian & Eskimo Artifacts of North America) by Charles Miles in 1963, page 220 figure 11.26. The piece exhibits a solid carved wood stem with high relief twisted shape showing three raised bands; at the center, rear and front, a unique feature along with carved dome like circular spots at the front and rear in front of the bands. The entire wood stem shows remnants of red and green mineral pigment polychrome paint. The stem appears to be carved of solid hardwood with a nice honest patina from age and use with discoloration at the smoking and pipe bowl tips from smoking use. The bowl itself is artfully carved from pipestone catalinite in a fine “L” shape showing a unique angular foot which allows the pipe to sit upright on its end. The pipe bowl is finely crafted showing a smooth tapering cylindrical shape with beveled angular foot and outward tapering cylindrical bowl showing a beveled front edge which flows into the foot. The pipe bowl and stem connection have deep dark discoloration from honest age and smoking use. Provenance: The piece was found to be an authentic Plains 19th Century example from the experts at Cowan’s and Hindman’s Native American Indian department as well as being published in “Indian & Eskimo Artifact of North America” by Charles Miles 1963; page 220 figure 11.26. The piece shows very good well-preserved condition for its very early Indian Wars era 1800’s age showing no major breaks or damages. Measures overall together 22.5”L with the bowl being 4.75”L across by 1 3/16”D, the stem by itself is 19 3/8”L by approximately 7/8”D.