The pipestone elbow pipe was on display in the Iowa and Sac and Fox Mission with little information about its origins. In Kansas, these pipes generally were carved by American Indians between 1350 to 1850 CE, though they continue to be made today. The soft, fine-grained material of the pipestone enabled the carver to shape and smooth the pipe and drill holes for the bowl and stem. Both the bowl and stem ends have been damaged in the past and an older damage scar appears at the elbow portion of the pipe. The rim of the bowl has a flat edge. Pipes were used during trade negotiations and to mark special occasions.