Included in this lot is a Collection of Mississippian Style Carved Bird Effigy Soapstone Pipes (2). These are unique and intricately designed ceremonial pipes, carved in the appearance of birds. Soapstone (also known as steatite) effigy carved pipes had been used by Native Americans since the Hopewell tradition, also called the Hopewell culture and Hopewellian exchange; the network of precontact Native American cultures that flourished in settlements along rivers in the northeastern and midwestern Eastern Woodlands from 100 BCE to 500 BCE. The Mississippian culture were collections of Native American societies that flourished in what is now the Midwestern, Eastern, and Southeastern United. One pipe resembles a raptor hawk with a hooked bill and swept back folded wings; the bowl is directly behind the neck. THe other pipe resembles a duck resting, the long stem features the mouthpiece directly below the duck bill and the wide-mouth bowl at the far end of the stem. Both pipes are in good overall condition, wear noted from age and handling. First pipe measures 2.5"W x 8"L x 3.5"H, second pipe is 2"W x 9"L x 5"H, combined weight is 5lb.