Pipestone NM
- Minnesota
photo: Handbook of the North American Indians
Why go there?
Archeologists believe that the quarries at Pipestone National Monument have been in use for over 3000 years. The catlinite, or "pipestone" found at the site is traditionally used to make ceremonial pipes, and the quarries are considered sacred by many tribal nations of North America including the Dakota, Lakota, and other tribes of Native American. In the past, the quarries were considered neutral territory where all Nations could quarry stone for ceremonial pipes. Today, the Monument is open to all visitors, and the quarrying of pipestone still takes place. The stone is hard and difficult to work with, but the results can be beautiful and provocative.
