Celtic Spiral Clay Pipe with Scroll

Description

Celtic Spiral Clay Pipe with Scroll.
Boxed traditional Irish Clay Pipe with Scroll.
NOTE: The pipe is fully functional. In an attractive gift box...
4 1/4" for the stem alone, and 6" overall.
For almost 300 years, Knockcroghery lay at the centre of a thriving clay pipe industry. Clay pipes, or duídíns, were popular at wakes, where they were smoked, broken and laid on the grave of the departed.
Production ceased when the village was burned by the Black & Tans in 1921, but today, Ethel Kelly is reviving the craft. In speaking with Ethel, she actually found the original cast iron mold for this pipe at her home, which happens to be the original clay pipe factory, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon, Ireland.
Traditional craftsmanship renders each pipe a unique, authentic Irish hand made craft-piece:
Clay pipes [or Duinis] were particularly popular at wakes where trays of tobacco-filled pipes, Guinness and Whiskey were laid out for the mourners. Before smoking, the shank of the clay pipe was dipped into some of the Guinness or Whiskey. [That sealed the mouthpiece and imparted a good flavor to the clay.] Traditionally, after the pipes were smoked at the wake, they were broken while saying ‘Lord have Mercy’. This custom was often repeated at the grave side where the broken pipes were laid on the grave. Used wake pipes were sometimes kept as mementos of the deceased.
Box size 6"x 2.5".
Mail order only, no discounts.