Pipe (Baubau)

ClassificationsTools and Equipment-smoking equipment-pipes & pipe components

Datemid 19th - early 20th Century

Made AtPapua New Guinea

Collection SiteSydney, New South Wales, Australia, Australia

MediumBamboo

Dimensions20 3/4 × 2 1/2 × 2 in. (52.7 × 6.4 × 5.1 cm)

Credit LineThe George Stanley Lodin Collection

Object number2015.17.13

DescriptionThis is a baubau, or a bamboo pipe for smoking tobacco. These pipes were made throughout Papua New Guinea as smoking tobacco was a widely practiced activity. The form and decoration of the pipes can vary depending on region and tradition. In the case of this piece, the banded linear designs were incised onto the pipe. To use a baubau, one would insert a folded piece of banana leaf or paper into the hole at the top side of the pipe. This funnel resembles a cigarette and is referred to as a leaf-screw. Previously prepared tobacco was placed inside the leaf screw. One’s mouth was placed on the open end of the pipe. Suction from the mouth causes the pipe to fill with smoke. When the pipe is filled, the leaf screw is removed and one’s finger is placed over the now open hole. One can now inhale the smoke via the small hole.

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