Paleolithic pipes logo sourced from PaleolithicPipes.com.
Stone pipes are among the earliest artifacts discovered in North America.
Yep, that’s right. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Indigenous people used pipes in various burial ceremonies, treaties and spiritual spaces. Following new agreements, smoking rituals would create stronger social and economic relationships, according to Luther College.
Essentially, pipes were representative of a common ground.
On a mission to integrate the traditional nature of Shaman pipe making into today’s customs of cannabis is Terry Harlow, the creator of Paleolithic Pipes.
And when it comes to smoking accessories, his work is about as authentic as it gets.
From Paper to Pipes
Harlow’s career as an artist began in the 1970s after studying in Denmark and returning home with a passion for book binding.
Having found success in his field, Harlow specialized in paper marbling, or, decorated ends appearing in old books — typically of psychedelic and multicolored nature.
“I used to manufacture inks and all the tools necessary to make it,” Harlow told Emerald. “I’d go back and forth across the country in a truck, making ink while I drove.”
After starting a family, however, he sold his business in the early 80s and pursued a career in the computer industry. This allowed him to spend more time and energy on his role as a husband and father.
Twenty-five years later, Harlow retired from that role and has been making pipes since a friend introduced him to soapstone back in 2012. Soapstone is naturally-quarried, metamorphic rock that gets its name from the soft, or soapy feel of it’s surface.
“He showed me the raw stone and I thought, well geez I can do something with that,” explained Harlow.
“I started studying with Sandy Cline, a real master carver, sculpture who lives in Ontario with his wife,” he continued. “I spent one week with him a year for three years, just learning about sculpture. From there, all the rest of the time, I made pipes.”
Today, he completes about five-six pipes a day in the shop behind his house.
Post from @paleolithicpipes on Instagram.
From forming, to shaping, to sanding, to finishing, it takes him about 2-5 hours to carve a pipe from start to finish.
Each piece is one of a kind and comes with its own hand-carved box, hemp sack, and hemp wick. They look great, feel great, and provide for a taste and flavor unmatched by glass.
Post from @paleolithicpipes on Instagram.
The Historical (Pipe)Line
In the same way that Indigenous people were able to find common ground via smoking, Terry Harlow sees his pipes as a way to create authentic, real connections.
Refraining from online sales for the most part, he prefers to sell his work face-to-face. For example, he participates in craft shows nearly every weekend, and stocks his pipes in over 20 dispensaries/head shops across the East Coast.
Harlow also enjoys teaching classes and workshops to those interested in his craft.
“Even though, in most cases this is a commercial relationship, it’s more personal than that to me,” he explained. “I really like meeting and talking to my clients. I have a lot of conversations and I have good relationships with the stores that I supply. They’re very supportive.”
And while COVID has had a large effect on Harlow’s ability to sell at trade shows, dispensaries across the East Coast continue to support Paleolithic Pipes.
“We love having Paleo Pipes on our shelves,” says Donna Norman, the owner of Calyx Dispensary in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. “Terry’s passion shines through and our customers appreciate the time and care he puts into each and every piece.”
A local cultivator recommended Frank Dailey, the owner of Boston Bud Factory, Paleolithic Pipes amid a search for local stone sculptures.
“Many customers asked for stone but I hadn’t found any local makers, until I was told about Terry Harlow,” Daily explained. “When I first spoke to Terry, I let him know we wanted to carry his pipes and that we would love to do a demonstration someday. He was extremely supportive and came on site to deliver our first order. It was obvious from the first time we met [Terry] that he was a genuine man with an amazing talent.”
Dailey says not many people walk by the Paleolithic Pipes display case without asking for more information.
“If the amazing quality wasn’t enough, Terry’s demeanor seals the deal,” he continued. “Terry did an on site demo and our employees just loved having him around. He is easy to talk to and even came with treats for any pets that came in.”
“No two Could be the Same…”
Post from @paleolithicpipes on Instagram.
Because of the one-of-a-kind nature of Paleolithic Pipes, Harlow chooses to keep his website minimal in terms of his catalogue.
Instead, he prefers to speak with customers directly and share with them what’s available based on their wants or needs.
“I [always] want to get in a dialogue with the buyer as far as what they smoke,” Harlow explained. “Is it primarily for flower? Is it a travel pipe?” he adds, “Is it a stationary pipe?”
Post from @paleolithicpipes on Instagram.
Once that’s sorted, he’ll send pictures of what he has in stock.
And while he isn’t taking custom orders, it’s clear that no two pipes could be the same — which is probably why he’s got about a dozen collectors who have “at least 20 of each of the pipes,” he says.
So for those looking for a new pipe with a whole lot of history, consider checking out Harlow’s work. Regardless of one’s personal smoking ritual, it’s sure to create a sense of nostalgia and common ground between smokers.
Customers can find Paleolithic Pipes at any of the following dispensaries, events, or via Paleolithicpipes.com.
And for those interested in Harlow’s paper marbling, they can find his work in exhibition in January 2023 at the Grolier Club (NYC), America’s premiere institution for bibliophiles. The exhibit is curated by Metropolitan Museum librarian Mindel Dubanski and will include works from Harlow and 10 of his students.
Written by Rita Thompson
These are works of art and belong in art galleries. I was a distributor but lost money as was buying and keeping them for myself as each is unique. No one will ever have the same pipe as each is different.
A Master at his craft.
I have almost 1/2 dozen – some animal shaped from several years back I bought as gifts but ended up keeping several – hard to give up – one lovely new pink one, There is an elegance to the subtlety of form and color, touch an feel, draw and taste of Harlow’s work.