Pipestone is a relatively soft clay stone which is found between layers of a much harder stone called Sioux quartzite.  It is actively quarried only by Indians at the Pipestone National Monument which is located in southwestern Minnesota.  It is harvested and worked using only hand tools.  The red stone is used primarily to make Sacred Prayer Pipes (Called "Cannunpa" in Lakota).  However, the pieces left over from making pipes are generally made into Effigies or Artifacts or beads.  Even the red dust from sanding and filing is sometimes used for sunburn prevention.

Pictured below are stages in the process of creating a Pipe or Effigy from a piece of raw Pipestone.

Raw Pipestone

Rough Bear Effigy

Finished Eagle Pipe Bowl

Rough Elbow Pipe Bowl

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