This small pipestone pipe fragment was broken and lost during the manufacture of an elbow pipe. It was collected from a Middle to Late Ceramic period camp site in Sumner County and donated to the Kansas Historical Society in 1975. The soft fine grained material of pipestone enabled the pipe's maker to carve it into its elbow-like shape. Pipes were used during trade negotiations and to mark special occasions. In Kansas, these pipes are generally made by American Indians between 1650 to 1850.