Old Huge Masai (Maasai) Medicine Pipe – Kenya

Carved anklebone. Cm. 46,0 in length (11.81″). Weight: grams 1059,4 (29.47 oz.). Nice patina.

These pipes are used by laibons, Maasai medicine man, for burning of healing herbs. They come from the bones of animals who had died a natural death.

Usually these are objects with a unique design based on the natural shapes of the bone, of which only the massive end pieces are used. For the stem the longest protrusion is used shaping it into a short and conical mouthpiece. Finally, the small pipe bowl in a funnel shape is drilled into the core of the bone.

It is certain that the pipes have been in the possession of the laibon. This medicine man was an intermediary between the people and God and was mainly engaged in meditation. According to ancient traditions, he prepares medicines from different types of plants: roots, flowers, seeds, bark, leaves and fruit mixed with salt, ash and earth. The ingredients are grinded in a certain composition in order to be consumed in the pipes. The laibon burn the powders and then blow out the smoke over the patient. The use belongs to both healing of diseases and religious rites.

Cover of Gillies Turle, The Art of the Maasai, New York, 1992.

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