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
Dimensions28 × 1 3/4 × 1 1/2 in. (71.1 × 4.4 × 3.8 cm)
Credit LineThe George Stanley Lodin Collection
Object number2015.17.14
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 geometric design motifs were made dark and prominent by burning them into the bamboo itself. 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.On View
Not on view
mid 19th - early 20th Century
1644-1912
19th to 20th Century
1644-1912
early 19th Century
late 19th Century
