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Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center / Educators

Archaeology Terms

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Catlinite/Pipestone

Catlinite artifacts

Referred to as pipestone or catlinite, this soft red stone was carved and ground into pipes and other ornamental objects in late prehistoric and historic times. The largest deposit of this raw material, and its most common source, is Pipestone National Monument in southwestern Minnesota.  However, outcrops and mine sites are also known in northwestern Wisconsin.

Link to information about working catlinite.

Link to information about Pipestone National Monument.

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MVAC Educational Programs are supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these programs do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities. This project was supported in part by the National Science Foundation. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Foundation.