“For countless generations, American Indians have quarried the red pipestone found at this site. These grounds are sacred to many people because the pipestone quarried here is carved into pipes used for prayer. Many believe that the pipe’s smoke carries one’s prayer to the Great Spirit. The traditions of quarrying and pipemaking continue here today.” Source: National Park Service
Dan and I enjoyed our hike on the well groomed trails and visiting the quarry itself. As you walk the trails you encounter cloth ties on trees and rocks; the ties represent a prayer or an offering and are placed here for spiritual purposes. While visiting the center and the daily demonstrations of pipestone carving, we met and visited with the talented Travis Erickson. Travis is a fourth generation self-taught artist who learned the basic techniques from his mother and other male elders. The grounds and the trails are wonderful to explore, so full of history and tradition.
For more information please visit : National Park Service, Pipestone National Monument, MN
When you pray with this pipe, you pray for and with everything.
-Black Elk
Beautiful shots Cyndie I can’t wait until you start sending me some B&W’s 🙂
🙂
Beautiful post – especially like the last, and the quote that goes with the entire set.
Thank you Tina!
Those heart hands and the last with the overlay of words… very nice touch. Really cool place!!!!!
Thanks Mike!
Great place to visit. Rich in history. Great photos honey.
great and beautiful shots 🙂
Thank you!
Great set Cyndie, what beautiful country! Also neat to see actual real artisans still doing their thing. 🙂
I absolutely agree! This gentleman was very interesting and told great stories!