Short Stuff: "Peace" Pipes

# Stuff You Should Know: Sacred Ceremonial Pipes

This episode dives into the fascinating history and cultural significance of sacred ceremonial pipes used across Native American tribes, debunking the common misconception that they're called "peace pipes." Josh and Chuck explore how these pipes, known as calicuts, are found in nearly every North American indigenous culture from Florida to the Pacific Northwest, and reveal that they're used for much more than just treaty signings—including prayers, weddings, and various ceremonies. The hosts break down the intricate details of how these pipes are constructed from materials like sacred red pipestone, the different plants smoked in them, and the important tradition of keeping the pipe's pieces separated until a ceremony actually begins.