This is an original Catlinite pipe stone "T" pipe with a bear effigy from the Cherokee Indians of North Carolina, and there is documentation for authentication. The pipe is photographed in "Catlinite Pipes" by Lar Hothem 1998, page 32 as well as being published in Larry Lantz's First Mesa (list 4, photo 80, item B) and includes a hand written note from a previous collector and photograph of the pipe on top of the First Mesa catalog page. One of the best documented early Cherokee pipes on the market. This example shows an outstanding piece of Catlinite pipe stone with colors ranging from pink to orange and beige to brick red, having a speckled pink as well. The piece has a classic "T" pipe shape with a rectangular body and a rounded tall pipe bowl with tapering front which holds with a carved bear effigy, full body figure. The top of the pipe shows double incised lines in a four corners' design. The bear has drilled eyes and incised carved fur features. The back section of the pipe along the top and both sides show an incised geometric design with drilled spot design. These are likely the artist's story or signature. Both the inlet and pipe bowl are well smoked and the entire pipe has a nice patina coloring with luster polish. The left side shows the various imperfections in the stone integrated into the design. This is a truly beautiful piece. The note from the collector states the pipe is 18-19th century (1700-1800s) and documents that the bear facing away from the smoker is an unusual and uncommonly seen pattern, as the norm being the animal facing the user. Truly a beautiful multi-hued stone with nice documentation, being double published, with an original 1998 copy of "Catlinite Pipes" by Lar Hothem being included with the pipe. Pipe by itself measures 7.75" L x 2.5"H x 1"W. Provenance: From a private museum collection of Native Americans in Paris, France; published in the 1998 "Catlinite Pipes" by Lar Hothem (pg. 32) with original booklet included; published in First Mesa by Larry Lantz (list 4, photo 80, item B) with photograph of the pipe sitting atop of the First Mesa page with this pipe; old photograph of the pipe; hand written letter from old consignor.*